Hundreds of educators rallied across the city on Tuesday to call for changes to the state’s pension plan.   

“I already can’t afford it,” said Jessica Beck, a sixth-grade reading teacher at M.S. 327 in Highbridge. “I think retirement is a long way off. I’ll probably be working a second job.”  

The 44-year-old is part of a group of educators who fall under Tier 6 of the state pension system and must work until the age of 63 to receive full retirement benefits. 

“Putting in that amount of service, it’s difficult especially as we get older,” Beck said. “We’re retiring older.” 

The United Federation of Teachers is looking to have Tier 6 more like educators in Tier 4, who can retire at the age of 55.   

Union members said changing the benefits not only impacts teachers, but students as well.  

“If we can’t retain workers, we’re never going to improve the student outcomes and create the education environments our students deserve,” said Dr. Bill Woodruff, UFT representative for District 7. 

Beck said she’s using her voice to set an example.  

“I am showing students that their voices matter, not just in the school building outside of the school building,” said Beck. 

As of Tuesday night, the Department of Education has not responded to News 12’s request for comment.