Some teachers retired rather than make the change, but most were excited about trying new approaches.

Under the present system, teachers cannot retire with full benefits until 62 or after 30 years of service.

"Many teachers retired, and we've spent millions to train others," he said.

Close to 100 of the district's almost 2,300 teachers have resigned or retired in the last few months.

Any less than five teachers cannot retire at a time, according to the current teachers contract.

A good many teachers already retire early anyway due to stress.

More than 9,000 teachers retired between 1995 and 1996, the last time retirement incentives were offered, according to the union.

Nearly 5,000 teachers retired in each of the last two years.

He added that teachers retire earlier than they used to.

With little if any savings, many teachers retired into poverty.