As a former teacher, the daughter of a teacher, and friend of current teachers, I can tell you that it is one of the few professions where having a child out of wedlock is still frowned upon. A dated sentiment for sure, but one that does exist, even in the urban areas.
Laura and her boyfriend both have ties to the agricultural industry in Maryland, specifically dairy cattle. There are a number of rural farming communities outside the beltway in Howard and Montgomery counties.
I don't believe the speculation of an inappropriate relationship with a student is helpful or appropriate.
I am not a teacher but I do live in the area and Columbia, Olney and Silver Spring are considered part of the DC Metro Area.
Again, I do not have any children in HS (or at all) but I will be extremely surprised that anyone would care about anyone being a single mother or a divorcee.
There are so many people that are single mothers or women who are divorced from all groups, origins, ethnicities etc. I have been living here for 17 years and I have never perceived any kind of bias towards single mothers. That area also houses a lot of LGBTQ couples, interracial couples, people from other countries, cultures etc.
Maybe I am mistaken but I do not believe that would be the case. JMO, of course.