Established in 1921 by the New York State Legislature, NYSTRS provides retirement, disability and death benefits to eligible New York State public school teachers and administrators. Our Mission: To provide our members with a secure pension. Our Vision: To be the model for pension fund excellence and exceptional customer service. We serve nearly 268,000 active members and more than 158,000 retirees and beneficiaries. Membership in NYSTRS is mandatory for all full-time teachers, teaching assistants, guidance counselors and administrators employed in New York State public schools (excluding New York City), Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and eligible charter schools that opted to participate as an employer in NYSTRS. Membership for teachers employed less than full time is optional. Employers are required to notify part-time teachers in writing of their right to membership in the System. Teachers employed by a New York State community college or SUNY may elect membership in NYSTRS, the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System or an Optional Retirement Program.