Teachers are the best kind of people. Seeing as how both my parents are teachers, all four of my grandparents were teachers and scholars, with an addition of several uncles and aunts as teachers, my options for a career are a little tight, so to speak.
However, don’t take my word for it. Just looking at the facts is enough to discover that teachers are not only incredible, but also being married to one can truly make you the happiest.
What It Takes To Teach
Being a teacher requires so much more than just lecturing students and writing on a chalkboard. It is more than planning your lessons and grading tests and papers.
It is even more than having to answer the questions: “When are we going to use this in real life?” multiple times a day. Teaching means wanting to make a difference in someone’s life.
It means devoting your time and attention to your students and keeping an eye out for them. It means becoming a role model, a mentor, a friend.
Teachers deserve so much more respect that they get. With a very low pay rate, no rewards and hardly even a thank you, they still try to do their best to make each minute count in the classroom, and it is all for their students.
Teaching is more than a career, it is a lifestyle.
The Downsides of Being Married to a Teacher
There is good and bad in every situation, and having a teacher for a spouse is no different. However, in a way, even the bad news is not so bad when you look at what you get in return.
The schedule; teachers work long hours. There are always more assignments to grade, lessons to plan and meeting to attend.
The good thing here is that your spouse, the teachers, has probably learned so far how to work hard, multitask and distribute their time properly. Also, the summer vacation is a big plus.
The stress; teaching is not a cakewalk. And if your spouse is a teacher, chances are that you have had your fair share of rants about difficult students, unfair policies and unfinished projects.
On the plus side, they have probably mastered the art of dealing with difficult situations. The priority; teachers have a tendency to put their students in front of themselves.
This might mean that they have postponed a date night, a permanent promise to “clean that up tomorrow” and many lunches and dinners eaten alone/ even though that can be frustrating, when the time comes, you know that your spouse will be able to dedicate themselves completely to you just as they do in the classroom.
The Upsides of Being Married to a Teacher
This is where things get real. Every teachers and every spouse is different, so it is possible that everything on this list will apply directly to you and your beloved teacher.
But, more often than not, you will find these qualities in your spouse and will be able to appreciate them for what they really are.
Teachers are passionate; in order to stick to a career that requires a lot of repetition, hard work and stress, on top of the pay of being a teacher, you have to be passionate about it. And that passion is something that teachers can have in all areas of their life.
Teachers are selfless; apart from helping students achieve a great education, they are changing lives through their example and kindness, even if they do not get any thanks from the students, parents or anyone else. Teachers are constantly putting others before themselves.
Teachers are motivating; convincing a full classroom of 30+ students that math, science or history ‘rocks’ when the majority of people, not just students, would rather watch a movie, takes some skills.
Your spouse will be your cheerleader and motivator throughout your life and will keep you excited about even the simplest of things.
They are good with kids; there is no doubt about it, your spouse’s experience with students will prepare him or her to raise your children. Your spouse will be able to help your kids through difficult times, problems, give them great advice and encourage them to be the best version of themselves at all times.
Teachers are patient; a classroom full of crazy kids and different personalities will definitely teach them patience. Your spouse can handle stressful situations with grace and calmness.
Teachers are fun; having to stand in front of the class all day makes your spouse an excellent entertainer. Your partner knows how to have a good time both in and out of the classroom.
Conclusion
Whether you are considering marrying a teacher, have just married a teacher are have been married to one for years, these facts are a great reminder about the happiness that can be found when life involves a teacher.
Remember, there are always going to be cloudy days. But the qualities that teachers are able to develop in the classroom will always come around for the win in your relationship.