What Teachers Want: New Research Offers Valuable Insights for School District Leaders

When school districts evaluate their retirement plan offerings, conversations often center on compliance, administration, fees, and provider relationships. While those factors are important, there’s one perspective that deserves special attention: the educators themselves.

What do teachers actually want when it comes to retirement planning?

A new nationwide survey commissioned by the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association (NTSA) set out to answer that question. The survey gathered feedback from 1,000 K-12 public school teachers across the United States, providing a clearer picture of how educators view retirement savings, financial guidance, provider choice, and retirement plan design.

The results offer valuable insights for those responsible for supporting employee financial wellness.

Teachers Value Retirement Plan Choice

One of the strongest themes throughout the survey was the importance of flexibility and choice. This is consistent with Aviben’s experience that single-vendor arrangements can lead to lower participation and higher fees, and may not actually benefit employees.

Many educators reported that having access to multiple retirement plan providers allows them to find solutions that best fit their individual financial goals and circumstances. Teachers also indicated that provider competition can lead to better service, stronger support, and more personalized experiences.

For school districts, this finding highlights the importance of considering employee preferences when evaluating retirement plan structures and provider arrangements.

Financial Guidance Matters

Retirement planning can be complicated, especially for educators who are balancing pensions, supplemental retirement plans, and long-term financial goals.

According to the survey, teachers who work with financial professionals often report greater confidence in their retirement planning. Many educators described financial advisors as trusted partners who help them navigate complex decisions and better understand their options.

This reinforces the importance of providing employees with access to educational resources and guidance that help them make informed decisions.

Educators Want a Voice in the Process

The survey also revealed a desire among teachers to have meaningful input when decisions are made about retirement plan offerings and structures.

Educators expressed a preference for retirement systems that reflect their needs, priorities, and real-world experiences. For districts, gathering employee feedback and encouraging participation in benefit-related discussions can help create solutions that better serve staff members over the long term.

Common Barriers Still Exist

Even when educators recognize the importance of saving for retirement, challenges can get in the way.

Teachers cited obstacles such as:

• Confusing enrollment processes
• Limited access to clear information
• Difficulty comparing available options
• A lack of individualized financial education

These findings suggest that simplifying processes and improving communication may be just as important as the retirement plans themselves.

What This Means for School Districts

The survey’s findings point to a common theme: educators want retirement planning resources that are flexible, understandable, and aligned with their individual needs.

Whether a district is reviewing its current retirement plan structure, evaluating provider relationships, or looking for ways to improve employee engagement, understanding teacher perspectives can help inform those conversations.

Retirement plans are ultimately designed to serve employees. Listening to the voices of educators can provide valuable context as districts make decisions that affect their workforce today and in the future.

Download the Full White Paper

Want to explore the complete findings?

Download What Teachers Want, the full NTSA white paper based on responses from 1,000 public school teachers nationwide. The report provides additional data, educator testimonials, and insights into how teachers view retirement planning, provider choice, and financial guidance.