Now located in the former Lotus computer building at One Charles Park, the new MTRS encompasses the entire second floor of the landmark brick building. Previously, the Teachers’ System was spread throughout three floors at their former Canal Street office.

While the Canal Street location, one block from North Station, was located within walking distance of Beacon Hill, it was not convenient for retired and active teachers to visit. The new location is located across the street from the Cambridge Side Galleria, which contains a garage with plenty of parking. Train and bus service is also located within walking distance.

“Our lease was up on Canal Street, which forced us to look for a new location. Parking, ease of access and space had long been issues that we had hoped to resolve in finding a new location,” said Sean Neilon, assistant executive director of the Teachers’ Retirement System. “The Cambridge location has everything that we were looking for. Our entire staff is housed on one floor, increasing our membership services.

“It is also important that our members have easy access to our office, as well as a quiet environment to seek confidential retirement advice. Thankfully, our new office offers both.”

Historically, the Teachers’ Retirement Board, once the “poor cousin” of the State Retirement Board, has always been searching for improved quarters.

Back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Board was located at 88 Broad Street in Boston. In the early ‘70s it was housed in the old Little Building at 182 Tremont Street, moving to the McCormack Building when that new structure was built to meet the need for state office space. When the McCormack became too cramped, then-Teachers’ director Tom Lussier and his stalwart crew packed up and moved to Canal Street.

“I hope this is our last move,” says longtime Teachers’ Board member George McSherry of Kingston. “It was somewhat difficult for members of our system to come into Boston. The new headquarters is a terrific place for staff and is ideal for member services. ”

The MTRS is governed by a seven member board comprised of its Chairman David Driscoll, commissioner of education; state Treasurer Timothy Cahill; state Auditor Joseph DeNucci; Ellen Hargraves, an appointed member who is a retired Groton Teacher; elected member George McSherry, a retired Brockton teacher; elected member Jay Dow, Jr., a retired Marblehead teacher; and appointed member Linda Ruberto, a Pittsfield teacher. Joan Schloss is the executive director of the system and Erika Glaster is the deputy executive director.

MTRS can now be found at One Charles Park, Cambridge, MA 02142-1206 or on the web at www.mass.gov/mtrs/.