Becoming a teacher at 50+: Maria's courageous step into a new future!

Becoming a teacher at 50+: Maria's courageous step into a new future!

In an inspiring step, Maria Arnold, born in 1971, gave up her secure job to pursue her calling as a technical teacher after more than 50 years. As the Swabian newspaper reports, the desire to become a teacher was often a childhood dream. But for many people over 50, this dream remains unfulfilled until, like Arnold, they seize the opportunity. Her journey began in a winemaking family in Franconia and, triggered by love, led to Aulendorf, where she set off for new shores after moving.

After completing her training as a chef, she always dreamed of teaching throughout her professional career. “There was something going on,” she often thought to herself as everyday life kept her busy with marriage and childcare obligations. A separation from her husband led to her becoming the first couple married by the mayor in a same-sex marriage to Britta Wekenmann in 2012. Looking back, this was a turning point for Arnold.

Professional experience and the path to becoming a teacher

Over the years, Arnold worked as a kitchen and housekeeping manager and continued her training, including becoming a diet chef. In 2014 she passed the best master's examination in home economics in Baden-Württemberg. Her dream of becoming a teacher was never completely forgotten as she regularly took exams with young people in master classes. When she found out about the possibility of becoming a technical teacher without a degree, she saw her chance and took it.

Despite concerns about her age and the loss of a secure job at the clinic, she took the step. She attended the Droste Hülshoff School in Friedrichshafen and a seminar in Weingarten for a year to prepare for her new role. Even though she already had a lot of experience in food preparation, she had to learn a lot of new things in areas such as textile design.

Starting as a teacher

In the 2023/2024 school year, Arnold will be responsible for accompanying students as a trained technical teacher for the first time. “I haven’t regretted it for a minute,” she says enthusiastically as she talks about her first experiences. She sees teaching as something beautiful and fulfills a dream that has been dormant within her for a long time.

In a completely different but equally inspiring story, we have the sad news of the death of popular musical satirist Tom Lehrer. The 97-year-old, who shaped his career with astute commentary on politics and society, died on July 27, 2025 at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts NPR reported. Lehrer, known for classics such as “The Vatican Rag,” created musical works that often provide a humorous take on significant issues such as nuclear destruction and social justice.

Lehrer, born in New York City in 1928, had an impressive academic career before turning to songwriting. His music quickly became an underground hit in the 1950s, and he influenced numerous artists, including the famous "Weird Al" Yankovic. Despite his retirement from the stage in the 1970s, his influence remained strong and his lyrics remain highly relevant today.

Whether at school or on stage, it is clear that both Maria Arnold and Tom Lehrer inspire other people with their passion. They show that it is never too late to realize your dreams and express your talents.