Every morning, they arrive at work together—not as colleagues, but as partners in both love and ambition, navigating the thin line between personal connection and professional excellence. Some people may say work is a space for partners to have time apart, but these couples find the benefit in relating to conflicts and overcoming challenges together. Whether they work in the same department, or different schools entirely, they use the advantage of working in the same region to help their students academically excel and guide them through life.
Robert and Janine Murdy, staff members at Woodland have had an overall positive experience working together as a couple in the same school.
Construction and robotics teacher, Robert Murdy, says working in different departments gives them the chance to have different perspectives and help each other through conflicts they or their students may face.
School Counseling Department Chair member, Janine Murdy, jokingly states, “It definitely benefits us on gas mileage.” Beyond that, she mentions how it is very helpful to have similar schedules for their children and that it’s nice to walk down the halls and be able to see and say hi to your significant other.
However, we also have couples in the region that work in different schools. Their experience is just as rewarding, while also allowing more independence. The McKenzie’s (Ryan and Kelly) The Muharems (Derek and Anna), and Steven Alexandrou and Karey Stingo, are a few examples of these types of couples. These couples find it helpful to take advice from each other while helping their students transition from elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school.
When asked about how to avoid bringing work conflicts home, Vice Principal Ryan McKenzie says, “It’s about time management.” These couples also say that working in the same region tends to be an advantage due to the fact they have a similar schedule and days off allowing time with their kids and families.
All these couples find a benefit to working in the same community and being able to help each other in good times and bad. They are able to use their professionalism and conformity to support each other and their careers. They all work together in order to help their students excel academically and transition into college, trade school, military or whichever path students chose after high school.
PHOTO CREDIT: @mrsgearyreads
