Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Manages pension benefits for Illinois educators.

About Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Simplify's Rating
Why Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois is rated
C
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated C on Growth Potential
Rated D+ on Differentiation

Industries

Government & Public Sector

Financial Services

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Springfield, Illinois

Founded

1939

Overview

TRS provides retirement services for Illinois public educators by managing the teachers’ pension system and offering a Supplemental Savings Plan to boost retirement savings. The core product is pension benefits administered under the Illinois Pension Code, funded through contributions and fund investments, with benefits calculated according to state rules. The Supplemental Savings Plan gives eligible members a voluntary, flexible way to save beyond the pension. TRS differentiates itself by being a large, state-run system serving teachers across Illinois (excluding Chicago) under a statutory framework, prioritizing transparency and accountability while managing sizable pension funds. Its goal is to deliver secure, predictable retirement income for educators and to help members build additional savings for their future.

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Assets hit $80.49 billion as of September 30, 2025, ranking 38th largest.
  • Jim Hagerman's 2025 board appointment adds investment expertise.
  • MyTRS portal now shows monthly benefits and COLA dates directly.

What critics are saying

  • Unfunded liability tops $100 billion with funded ratio under 50%.
  • State budget shortfalls delay payments via uncertified appropriations.
  • Declining active membership at 159,027 cuts contribution inflows.

What makes Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois unique

  • TRS exclusively serves Illinois public educators outside Chicago since 1939.
  • TRS offers Supplemental Savings Plan beyond traditional pensions.
  • TRS manages Tier I and Tier II benefits with distinct eligibility rules.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Nov 13th, 2025
Appointment of James "Jim" Hagerman to TRS Board of Trustees

Appointment of James "Jim" Hagerman to TRS Board of Trustees. SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is pleased to announce the appointment of James "Jim" Hagerman of Springfield to the TRS Board of Trustees.* Mr. Hagerman is a retired partner at Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP, a regional CPA and management consulting firm with offices in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin and as a member at KEB Asset Management, LLC, an investment advisory firm with offices in Illinois and Missouri. He served nearly three decades in the firm's accounting and tax services area and nearly over two decades in the firm's investment advisory services division. Jim began his early career in 1984 with Deloitte & Touche in Springfield before later joining Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP in 1993. In addition to his professional experience, Jim brings 26 years of service on the Rochester Board of Education and has served on several community boards. He earned an Associate of Accounting from Lincoln Land Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Illinois State University. "Jim brings extensive investment experience and a deep understanding of public education," said Stan Rupnik, TRS Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer. "His insight will be invaluable as a contributor to the Investment Committee and in guiding TRS toward achieving our mission of delivering expert pension service to Illinois educators." "We are proud to welcome Jim to the TRS Board of Trustees," said Matthew Hunt, TRS Board President. "His decades of service in public education and extensive professional experience will strengthen the Board and enrich our collective efforts to serve Illinois educators." About Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois. The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois is the 38th largest pension system in the United States, and provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside of Chicago. The System serves over 456,000 members and had assets of $80.49 billion as of September 30, 2025. *Appointment pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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