It’s Official! Substitute Teachers Exempt from Work Limits through 2030

Governor Kehoe has signed two bills into law, allowing retirees to work as substitute teachers without losing their Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS) benefits. These laws extend a previous waiver through June 30, 2030, and apply to those working for PSRS/PEERS-covered employers or through third-party providers. 

For retirees, substitute teaching is defined as, "instructing or guiding the studies of students in a teaching position that requires a DESE-issued certificate, in place of a regularly employed teacher who is temporarily unavailable." Work in positions not covered by this waiver still counts toward work limits, and PSRS/PEERS retirees should track non-covered work to avoid losing benefits. 

"This waiver is a win for our members and our school districts," said PSRS/PEERS Executive Director Dearld Snider. "It allows retired teachers to step in where they’re needed most without jeopardizing their benefits, and it helps schools fill urgent substitute teaching gaps. I’m grateful lawmakers and the governor recognized the value of this extension and acted to support education and our retirees." 

Investment Policy Also Signed 

The governor also signed a bill that puts investment proxy voting policies into law and clarifies the legal and financial obligations of pension systems and their trustees. 

"We’re pleased to say this bill aligns with our current investment policy," said PSRS/PEERS Chief Investment Officer Craig Husting. "It reinforces our approach to responsible investing and puts into law our guiding principle and No. 1 priority — fulfilling the promises made to our members by protecting their pension benefit."