Cyndi Loza

Not many people can say they would be willing to work side-by-side with their spouse, but Bruce and Ruth Poppenhagen can.

“We fit together pretty nicely,” said Bruce Poppenhagen as he looked at Ruth, his wife of 24 years.

“We do complement each other,” Ruth Poppenhagen said.

The pair has taught together a second-grade class at Silver Lake Elementary School for about 17 years. They plan to retire at the end of June.

“I keep telling them it’s not too late, and they don’t have to retire,” Principal Loretta Thomas said.

“They have a darling house that they are trying to sell that I hope doesn’t sell,” she joked.

Different styles

The absence of the Poppenhagens will leave a huge void in the school, Thomas said.

“They really bring a family atmosphere to the art and science of teaching,” Thomas said. “It’s very effective.”

The duo credits the success of their teaching methods to the difference between them. Bruce said he is a funny and competitive type of teacher, while Ruth is gentle and patient.

“They’re different learners so I think our teaching styles are going to complement that,” Ruth Poppenhagen said.

Her husband agreed.

One method Bruce Poppenhagen said he likes to use in the classroom is his NASCAR math and reading game. He asks students to time their reading and math solving and keep trying to beat their best time.

Ruth is the type of teacher that gives a student extra attention or patience, Bruce said.

“She gets the hugs,” Bruce said. “I get the high-fives.”

The Poppenhagens plan to move to Michigan after they retire.

Bruce said he will miss the funny things his students say, as well as “the things they want to show and share.”

“What other job do you go to and get so many greetings in the morning?” Ruth said.