For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1)  "Board" or "retirement board" means the Teachers' Retirement Board as provided for in 2-15-1010, MCA.

(2) "Contingent beneficiary" means a beneficiary designated to receive payments if all primary beneficiaries are deceased. Contingent beneficiaries will be awarded benefits on a share-and-share-alike basis, unless specified otherwise on the member's designation form.

(3)  "Enrolled actuary" means a person who is enrolled by the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries established under Subtitle C of the Title III of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

(4) "Paraprofessional" means someone who provides instructional support which includes:

(a) one-on-one tutoring;

(b) classroom management, such as organizing instructional materials;

(c) instructional assistance in a computer laboratory; 

(d) conducting parental involvement activities;

(e) a translator; or

(f) instructional support services under the direct supervision of a highly qualified teacher.

)5) "Primary beneficiary" means a beneficiary or beneficiaries designated to receive payments upon the death of an active, inactive or retired member, or alternate payee. Primary beneficiaries will be awarded benefits on a share-and-share-alike basis, unless specified otherwise on the member's designation form.

(6)  "Service credits" or "creditable service" means the number of years credited to a member's account for which contributions have been received as required by statute or rule.

(7)  "School term or school year" means the fiscal year July 1 through June 30.