(Plan Year from 09/01/26 - 08/31/27) Self-enrollment is April 20-24, 2026 for returning staff. In-person open enrollment is May 11-15, 2026 for returning staff. New employees will enroll within 30 days of employment.
The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), provides lifetime retirement, survivor and disability benefits for teachers and their beneficiaries.
The State of Tennessee 401(k) plan lets you take control of your retirement by investing in fund options of your choice. Free retirement planning services are available to you from Empower Retirement. This plan is mandatory for all classified employees, but available to all employees to voluntarily contribute.
Legacy TCRS Plan (for teachers hired before July 1, 2014)
Full-time K-12 Public School Teachers hired prior to July 1, 2014 are members of the Legacy Plan for Teachers (“Legacy Plan”) as a condition of employment.
Teachers make a contribution of 5% of their salary to TCRS.
TCRS provides a lifetime monthly benefit at retirement once eligibility has been met.
Teachers participate in the State 401(k) plan on a voluntary basis.
Contributions to the Legacy Plan (for 25-26)
Employer
Member (Employee)
TOTAL
TCRS
5.77%*
5%
10.77%
*Employer contributions to TCRS are non-refundable.
Hybrid TCRS Plan(for teachers hired on or after July 1, 2014)
Full-time K-12 Public School Teachers hired on or after July 1, 2014 are members of the Hybrid Retirement Plan for State Employees and Teachers (“Hybrid Plan”) as a condition of employment.
Teachers make a contribution of 5% of their salary to TCRS and are automatically enrolled in a 2% contribution to the State 401(k) plan (unless you opt-out).
At retirement, a lifetime monthly benefit is provided, along with earnings from a 401(k).
Contributions to the Hybrid Plan
Employer
Member (Employee)
TOTAL
TCRS
4%*
5%
9%
401(k)
5%
2%†
7%
TOTAL
9%
7%
16%
*Employer contributions to TCRS are not refundable. †Represents the auto-enrollment percentage, if the employee does not opt-out in the 90 day window.
Classified 401(k) Plan(for classified employees hired after January 1, 2015)
Full-time classified employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 are required to participate in the State of Tennessee 401(k) plan as a condition of employment.
Employees make a contribution of 5% of their salary to the State 401(k).
The amount a member has available in retirement is based on contributions, plus accumulated earnings (if any), to the member’s account.
State of TN 401(k)
The 401(k) plan lets you take control of your retirement by investing in fund options of your choice. Free retirement planning services are available to you from Empower Retirement. By participating in your traditional 401(k), you can save and invest additional money for retirement and/or reduce the amount of current state and federal income tax you pay each year. Your State of Tennessee 401(k) Plan can be an excellent tool to help make your future more secure.
The Program also offers a Roth contribution option, which allows you to contribute on an after-tax basis. This may be an attractive feature if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket during your retirement. The “qualified” distributions of Roth contributions and any earnings from the 401(k) account are generally tax-free if they satisfy the five-year minimum deposit restriction.
This plan is available to all full-time employees, and some part-time employees, to voluntarily contribute.
457(b)
Unlike the 403(b) and 401(k) plans, the 10% federal early withdrawal tax penalty for withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 does not apply, except on amounts rolled into the plan from non-457(b) plans. This is a good option for employees who might retire early and would like access to their retirement savings prior to age 59 1/2.
Reach out to the Human Resources Department if you are interested in participating in a 457(b) plan.
Leaves of Absence: Contact Human Resources to request a leave of absence, including a leave covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You can access the Leave of Absence (LOA) Procedures in the Staff Portal.
