That depends on your job. If you are an appointed teacher, paraprofessional or other pedagogue in a city public school, you automatically become a member of the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), which provides your pension. Your contributions to your pension plan (formally referred to as a QPP or Qualified Pension Plan) begin as of your appointment date. You should complete a TRS enrollment application as soon as possible. For others, joining a retirement system may be optional. Most others, including nurses, therapists, and substitute teachers as well as other part-timers, may join the Board of Education Retirement System, or BERS. Get more information at www.nycbers.org; applications are available at your UFT borough office or at BERS, 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201.