In 19 states, charter schools can offer their teachers an alternative to state retirement plans. When charters opted out of state plans, they mostly did so to lower costs, make benefits more portable for their teachers, and retain greater control over total compensation costs. Recent research shows that state plans often leave teachers with nothing at all or make it difficult for teachers to move and change jobs without losing their pensions, giving charters a unique opportunity to innovate with respect to teacher retirement options.

—Education Next