Welcome
To the Illinois Retired
Teachers Association
Illinois Retired Teachers Association
As the voice of Illinois’ retired educators, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) defends pension and healthcare protection via its lobbying efforts, advocates for retirees, provides group rate dental and vision insurance among other benefits, and provides travel and entertainment options for its members.
President's Welcome
Welcome to the Illinois Retired Teachers Association! The only organization whose sole purpose is to protect the benefits of retired educators. If you are already a member, we thank you for joining us. If you are not currently a member, we would like to invite you to join us. There is no better time than now to join.
Mike Schmidt - President (2024-2025)
Mission Statement
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization of retired educators. The Association serves the needs and interests of its members through advocacy, education, cooperation and socialization in a flexible organizational structure.
History of IRTA
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1955, the IRTA is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to supporting retired educators across the state of Illinois. With a focus on advocacy, education, cooperation, and socialization, the Association serves the diverse needs and interests of its members. IRTA provides a flexible organizational structure that allows members to engage in various activities and benefit from resources that promote their well-being. Over the years, the IRTA has played a pivotal role in representing retired teachers, ensuring they have a strong voice in matters that affect their pensions, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
IRTA 70th Anniversary!
Mike Schmidt joins the WICS Marketplace lifestyle segment to discuss the 70th anniversary of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.
TIER 2 updates
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association continues to stand up in the fight for fairness for teachers who will one day be retired. Need the facts about Tier 2? Watch our informative video: IRTA President, Mike Schmidt, breaks down the distressing differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2.
A Message to our valued members
Mike Schmidt, IRTA Board President, shares a message to our members.
Your Membership Will Enrich YoUr Retirement
- Pension Protection
- Supplemental Insurance
- New Friendships
- Domestic and International Trips and Getaways
- And So Much More
IRTA Foundation 2024 Grant Recipients
This Fall, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation (IRTAF) awarded $42,000 in grant money to public school educators from across the state. This grant money allows educators to enrich their instruction with materials not otherwise available to them. Their students are the real winners!
