The education sector has been hit particularly hard since lockdown. Teachers and students are really feeling the pressure and I think I’m right in saying that October half-term did not come quick enough for them.
I’ve seen how hard it has been for teachers first-hand, as I’ve been with my fiancé for 10 years now and for seven of those she’s been a teacher. It’s a profession that I have great admiration for - it takes a special sort of person to pursue such a selfless career.
Being in a relationship with a teacher
You need to be there for your teaching partner every step of the way. So if you’re about to embark on a relationship with a teacher, here are the six things you need to remember.
1. You need to be there to listen
Teachers may seem like they moan a lot, and I mean that in the nicest possible way, but do yourself a favour and just listen. There are not many jobs out there where you are getting pulled in so many different directions, so sometimes they just need an outlet at the end of the working day.
2. Hand over control
More likely than not, they want to be in control…. of everything - let them crack on. You have to understand that they keep in check dozens of children every day (especially those after lunch break who are high on contraband energy drinks), so it’s become ingrained in them to keep a tight rein on things. Don’t fight it, work with it.
3. Manage their resources...
You will find random teaching materials everywhere in your house. And I’m not talking about little stuff here - I’m on about folders that look like they contain the scripts of all three Lord of the Rings movies. Gently encourage your partner to put them somewhere safe; but not on the coffee table, which looks like it’s going to collapse under the weight of them.
4. Let them use their ‘voice’
Teachers have a “voice”. It’s something they have developed to keep classes engaged and keep on top of any behavioural issues. Word of warning, though - it will be used outside of the classroom at some point. Imagine this; you’re walking down the high street, maybe starting to do a spot of Christmas shopping and all of sudden you see some youths being a bit rowdy. Yep, you guessed it, teacher voice is engaged, and you want the ground to just open up and swallow you. My advice? See point 2.
5. Help them embrace the fully deserved holidays
Make sure you get things planned for when they are off - holidays, trips away, pumpkin picking (yes, it’s a thing) - anything you can think of to keep them occupied. They are usually going at a million miles an hour all the time, so when they get time off it’s like trying to keep a toddler occupied.
6. Help them find a balance
This one is firmly on your shoulders: make sure they have a work-life balance. Their passion for the job can sometimes work against them and It’s not unusual for teachers to be answering emails at 9pm on a weeknight and working weekends. Put your foot down and let them know you’re the boss…. do this from a distance, though, and preferably near the front door for a quick exit. They will thank you in the long run.
Callum Wilkinson is a writer
