From Fashion To the Classroom

Forgoing a high-powered career to become a schoolteacher might seem unthinkable to most. But not to these men.

Lance Leener, 52

Then VP at Gloria Vanderbilt Now Eighth-grade English and social studies teacher, Tompkins Square Middle School, New York City | When Leener was feeling discontented with the corporate world and contemplating a change, his wife reminded him how much he liked working with children. Her support, emotional and financial, helped him power through a career shift. 'Being a teacher is the hardest job on the planet. I work my ass off, I can?t even tell you. I have an open-door policy with email with my students, and I interface a lot with parents, so it feels 24/7. I love it and couldn?t think of doing anything differently, but it is so hard.'

Jamie Hooper, 43

Then Publisher of 'Maxim' and founder of 'Giant' magazine Now Fourth-grade teacher at the IDEAL School, New York City | Enjoying his job but tired of being away from his family with the constant traveling it required, Hooper switched gears. Working as a special education teacher allowed him to tap into his desire to address the different ways in which children learn. 'In business you're developing relationships based on money and solving marketing and advertising problems. Which is interesting. But now it's really more issues of personal growth and development.'

 

 

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