BROOKLYN — With an impressive portfolio and versatile appeal, most would agree — Sam Worthen has it.
The male model has hit the runway for countless big name designers but the fact is, his modeling gig is a mere hobby.
By day, Worthen works as an 8th grade English teacher in Brooklyn, and by night and most weekends, he works as a male model.
Hailing from Massachusetts, the Brown University alum came to New York with dreams of teaching but a chance meeting in the subway led him to the runway.
He’s now juggling both professions.
“I guess one skill set that carries over is a form of acting because on the runway the standard is to be sort of this tough cold super masculine character which I’m not,” he said.
“Teaching middle school you have to be tough and so in both cases I’ve learned to create that persona.”
His double life was a well-kept secret until now, and was divulged with good reason.
“I thought if people take interest in my story I could convert that interest into resources for my students,” he said.
Looking to raise money to buy books for his students, Worthen has set up a “Go Fund Me” page.
The goal is $3,000 and it’s the amount needed for each of his 67 students in Bushwick to have three books of their own.
“It’s all about finding that right book,” he said. “I’ve seen kids who aren’t readers – become readers.”
Considering his passion for teaching and love for his students, its clear the 24-year-old is truly a ‘model teacher’ with a pretty cool side job.
To donate to the cause, visit Worthen’s Go-Fund-Me page. Every person who donates will receive a personal ‘thank you’ note from a student in the class.
