He served for 25 years as a public and private school educator in St. Louis and the surrounding counties, predominantly as a high school math teacher and principal. He is certified as a 7-12 Math Teacher, K-12 Special Education Teacher, Principal 7-12, and a Director of Special Education. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in Educational Leadership and Policy Study. Hylen is currently co-authoring a resource book on character education and the new Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. He has served on the faculty of both Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., and the University of Missouri – St. Louis.