Every profession has its unique quirks, and teaching is no exception. After spending years in the classroom, many teachers develop habits that might seem a little odd to outsiders, but they make perfect sense to those of us in the profession. Here are some of the quirkiest, yet completely true, habits that teachers often develop over time.
1. The “Teacher Voice”
We all know it—the unmistakable “teacher voice” that we use to get students’ attention. It’s firm, commanding, and can silence a room full of chatter in seconds. What’s funny, though, is that many of us catch ourselves using it outside the classroom too. Whether it’s telling our own kids to clean up or even giving instructions to adults, the “teacher voice” has a way of creeping into our everyday lives.
2. The Infinite Pen Collection
If you ever see a teacher’s desk, chances are it’s covered in pens—colored pens, fancy pens, gel pens, and more. Teachers develop a borderline obsession with finding the perfect pen, whether it’s for grading papers or writing notes. And somehow, despite having dozens of pens, we’re always on the lookout for more. It’s as if the quest for the ideal pen is never truly over!
3. The “Just in Case” Mentality
Teachers are notorious for being prepared for anything. Need a band-aid? Got it. Extra pencils? No problem. A spare snack for a hungry student? Always on hand. This “just in case” mentality extends beyond the classroom too. Many of us carry bags full of items that we might need at any moment, from a mini first-aid kit to an emergency stash of chocolate.
4. The Love of Sticky Notes
There’s something about sticky notes that teachers just can’t resist. We use them to jot down reminders, create to-do lists, leave notes for students, and even decorate our desks. Some of us have entire desks or walls covered in colorful sticky notes, each with its own purpose. It’s a simple habit, but it’s one that many teachers can’t seem to give up.
5. The Unconscious Counting
Ever catch yourself counting things for no reason? Maybe it’s the number of students in the hallway or the number of papers left to grade. Teachers often develop a habit of counting, whether it’s to keep track of students during a field trip or to make sure everyone has turned in their assignments. It’s a little quirk that helps us stay organized and on top of things.
6. The “Teacher Stare”
The “teacher stare” is a powerful tool—a look that can stop a misbehaving student in their tracks. It’s a skill that takes years to perfect, and once you’ve mastered it, it becomes second nature. But here’s the thing: once you have the teacher stare, you might find yourself using it outside the classroom too. Whether it’s with your own kids or even your spouse, the teacher stare has a way of making its presence known.
7. The Habit of Speaking in “Teacher Time”
Teachers often speak in what we call “teacher time.” This means estimating time in blocks, like “We’ll spend the next 10 minutes on this activity” or “You have 5 minutes to wrap up.” It’s a way of structuring the day and keeping everyone on track. However, this habit often spills over into our personal lives, where we might give our friends and family time warnings or break down events into manageable chunks.
8. The Over-Organized Planner
Ask any teacher to show you their planner, and you’ll likely see a masterpiece of organization. We’re talking color-coded schedules, neatly written notes, and plenty of stickers or doodles. Teachers take great pride in their planners, as it’s the tool that keeps everything in their professional and personal lives running smoothly. And if something isn’t written down in the planner, well, it’s not happening!
9. The “Summer Bucket List”
As soon as the school year ends, many teachers start creating a “summer bucket list” of all the things they want to do during their break. Whether it’s reading a stack of books, traveling, or simply catching up on sleep, this list becomes a cherished part of summer. And of course, some of us start planning for the next school year even before the current one has ended!
10. The Need to “Straighten”
You might find a teacher automatically straightening papers, arranging books, or tidying up desks without even realizing it. This habit of keeping things in order is something that becomes ingrained after years of organizing classrooms and managing materials. Even when we’re off the clock, the urge to straighten things up is hard to resist.
These quirky habits are just a few examples of the unique traits that come with being a teacher. While they might seem a bit unusual to others, they’re a big part of what makes us who we are. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way!
