Lenore Espanola

After business teacher Lenore Espanola completed college, she took the opportunity to travel to rural Japan for two years and teach English to middle school students. She wanted to experience Japanese culture and travel abroad, but she didn't expect to come back with a passion for teaching — an interest that would stay with her throughout the years. However, she first decided to explore business related fields to gain a broader depth of experience and understand what she was passionate about. 

 

From working in several different corporate environments to taking business roles in nonprofits, Espanola explains that over the years, she has tried “everything” business related — she even combined her interests of fashion and business and started her own company. However, the prospect of returning to teaching had always intrigued her, so she decided to obtain her teaching credential and pursue a career in education.

“I never forgot that I was in Japan [to help] kids, so I gravitated towards [teaching], but I [initially] wanted to explore other areas,” Espanola said. “The environment of teaching offers the teacher the opportunity to continue learning about [a] topic, which is what I enjoy. I don’t know everything about business, but when I have to put together lessons, it keeps my mind fresh on the topic and I like to be creative with lesson planning, so I like the combination of doing both.”

 

After teaching at schools around the Bay Area for over 10 years, Espanola came to MVHS, where she now teaches Principles of Business, International Business and Law. She describes business teacher Carl Schmidt as her “teacher partner,” and explains that the community of welcoming staff and students has made her feel at home.

 

“I already feel like I’m part of the community, even though I want to continue building it,” Espanola said. “I feel that students are receptive to learning, and it makes the teacher excited to have students who are just as excited to learn.”