During a debate in the Texas Senate, Republican Senate Bob Hall expressed concern about the sustainability of the retirement program based on changing demographics in the state. He insisted that this world has changed significantly, but our overall retirement program has not changed much. Moreover, he said that we have several hundred teachers that are over 100 years old, and a baby who born today, their age expectancy is 110 thanks to medical science. However, I think now there are no teachers who are 100 years old in the classroom. Also, The retirement program has been changed enough with the times.
First of all, according to a report from the Texas Education Agency, the average age of Texas teachers during the 2016-2017 school year was 31.2, and the oldest teacher that year was 75 years.
Second, the one thing that I strongly disagree with is that life expectancy of babies born these days is 110. With the development of medical technology, life expectancy has been increased gradually. Nevertheless, the average life expectancy of a human being in 2012 is 75.2, and even it could not be higher than 85. I think his statement about life expectancy is an exaggeration to support his opinion.
Third, the retirement program also has been changed. At first, the program offered benefits to a small number of people. However, it was slowly expanded and offers benefits to all employees at public school, educational service centers, charter schools, etc.
I personally think what is more important than the retirement program is the teacher's annual salary. As of 2016, the average annual salary for a Texas teacher is $51,890, and this is $6,500 lower than the national average. One reason for a Texas teacher's lower salary is an overall public education budget cut by the Texas State Government. For this reason, the Texas State Government should more concern about the public education budget as well as the retirement program.
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