* Age: Most retirement systems require a minimum age, often 55 or 60, though some allow earlier retirement with reduced benefits.
* Years of Service: Many pension plans require a minimum number of years of service before a teacher is eligible for full retirement benefits. This is typically between 20 and 30 years, but varies widely by location and specific plan.
* Location: Retirement eligibility rules are set at the state or even local level in many countries (e.g., different states in the US have different teacher retirement systems). Each system has its own specific requirements.
* Type of Employer: Public school teachers typically have access to a defined benefit pension plan governed by the state or local government, while private school teachers might have different retirement plans, possibly similar to those in the private sector (401(k), etc.).
To find out the specific retirement rules for a teacher in a particular location, you need to consult the relevant state's or local government's teacher retirement system or the teacher's specific employment contract.