Tier V will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

However if you join Tier IV before then you can avoid the negative parts of the new Tier V.

You can join Tier 4 by substitute teaching for one day. Keep in mind you must file a notarized membership application completed by you and your district on your first day of substitute service.

You can get an application from your employer, by calling TRS at 800-782-0289 or by downloading from www.nystrs.org.

Be sure to have your school district fill it out one the day you sub. Then mail it to the NYSTRS (certified, return receipt), 10 Corporate Woods Drive, Albany, NY 12211-2395.

Membership will begin the first of the month during which you render service, on or after the notarization date of the application.

One day is enough to "lock in" Tier 4 for seven years, but in order to receive service credit, you must substitute for 20 days.