Established in 1957, the KENTUCKY RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION is "the only organization in the state that has as its main purpose to look out for the welfare of retired educators." From 1957 to 1985 KRTA was affiliated with KEA. In 1985 NEA passed a resolution requiring KRTA members to become members of NEA-R. Both KEA and KRTA opposed the unified dues resolution and ties were broken in 1991.

KRTA is not affiliated with any other organization, political or otherwise. The strength of the state association is evident in 14 districts and 118 local associations. The Louisville office is staffed by two full-time and two-part-time people. The Membership, Legislative, and Insurance Committees are comprised of volunteers who continually work on the concerns of retirees. KRTA's notable rapport with the KTRS and its staff is recognized in the legislative ranks in Frankfort. Numerous other benefits of interest to all retirees are described in the KRTA Retirement Packet. Annual dues are $15. Membership today exceeds 25,000 retired teachers!

Established by law in 1938, KTRS legally known as "Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Kentucky" became operational on July 1, 1940. KTRS is classified as an "actuarial reserve, joint contributory" system, meaning that contributions of the members and employers and the earnings from KTRS investments are placed in reserve to pay for the System's annuity obligation.

KTRS membership is mandatory for all persons in eligible agencies occupying full-time positions which require either certification by the Department of Education or graduation from a four (4) year college or university as a condition of employment. Agencies eligible for participation in KTRS include public elementary and secondary schools, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Western Kentucky University, the School for the Deaf, the School for the Blind, the state area vocational schools, the Department of Education and other agencies as specified by law.

KTRS currently serves over 57,000 active members and 30,000 annuitants.

Since its founding in 1857, the KENTUCKY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION and its members have been champions for public education, children, and teachers' employment rights. This advocacy has taken the form of lobbying for improved education funding, safe schools, better materials, smaller class sizes, school restructuring, and empowerment of teachers and parents.

KEA is affiliated with the National Education Association and has local affiliates in every school district. It is the largest professional association in Kentucky.