From full-time teacher to thriving as a Scoot sub

After nearly three decades as a high school English teacher, Rob Stein experienced challenges familiar to many educators—endless paperwork, large class sizes, and the feeling of being underappreciated. But when Rob entered retirement, he still wanted to keep teaching, which led him to substitute teaching.

As a Scoot sub, Rob enjoys getting to work directly with students and building meaningful relationships he never expected. In this interview, Rob shares how subbing reconnected him with his purpose–helping students thrive–and how Scoot provides him with the support, resources, and motivation he needs to succeed!

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Q: Tell me your name. What kind of classroom do you help teach?

My name is Rob Stein, but the kids call me Coach Rob. High school is where I feel most at home. I taught high school English for over 28 years, and I’ve always enjoyed working with that age group.

Q: What led you to subbing after retiring from full-time teaching?

After COVID, I realized I hadn’t taken care of myself—physically, emotionally, or personally. I retired at 55, knowing I’d still need to work. I looked for other jobs, but teaching was what I knew best.

Subbing lets me work with students–my favorite part–and keeps me away from the hardest parts, which taking home stress and all the paperwork.

When I used to be an English teacher in California public schools, I had 150-160 students. Reading that many essays was overwhelming. Teaching writing is important, but it wasn’t my passion. I became a strong writer because I loved reading and because my father reviewed my papers–something a public-school teacher reading hundreds of papers couldn’t do.

There were a lot of things I never anticipated before becoming a teacher–things that pulled me away from helping students thrive.

Subbing brings me back to that purpose and lets me enjoy my favorite part of teaching: working directly with them.

Q: Do you do anything outside of subbing right now?

I’m a tennis instructor, play pickleball, ride my e-bike, and spend time with my two dogs.

Q: What led you to choose Scoot?

I discovered Scoot when I retired and started looking for jobs. I liked Scoot right away because they pay well–but more importantly, they’re supportive.

My point person, Dominique has been more understanding and supportive than my school district ever was toward the end of my career.

At my district, we finally got a substantial raise after years without one. Some of us older teachers wondered if the district was trying to push us out because we cost a lot more. I was one of the most expensive teachers in the district because of my master’s degree and longevity stipends. Over time, I felt less supported, and I wasn’t alone.

I had an issue with one of my placements–it turned out to be a difficult school. Dominique was just so helpful and supportive. I was so fearful about meeting with her, expecting it to be unsupportive—because that’s what I’d gotten used to.

But it was the exact opposite. I felt encouraged, supported, motivated—and felt like a better teacher. I was amazed and so thrilled.

That how I see Scoot: they give us support, tools, and programs that help us succeed.

Q: How long have you taught with Scoot?

I joined last year, but subbed more with my district at first. But the lack of support and empathy continued and they pay less.

The one advantage was getting notified of placements before the morning of the job. With Scoot, I’m on call at 6:00 AM hoping for the phone to ring.

But Scoot has consistently placed me at a school that I like working at. It’s nice to get a lot of work in a place that knows me. So, I have the sense of community as opposed to showing up as a stranger.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a Scoot sub?

When Scoot places me at a school I like, I’m always like, “Yeah, that’s my jam!” It makes my day. Apparently, the school told Scoot they liked me, and Scoot told them the same. That felt great! Positive feedback like that is rare in public schools.

With Scoot, it’s different. I get weekly reports with tips and updates and have a point person who’s incredibly supportive and empathetic. She even compliments me on being motivated and professional.

Being a substitute can be tough. Kids often assume it’s a free day when there’s a sub, which makes things challenging.

With my Scoot placements though, the students have embraced me. They call me Coach Rob. They’re excited to see me, not just because their teacher’s out, but because we have a good experience together.

It’s a mutually good situation. And Scoot likes that. I believe Scoot’s really in favor of the students liking it and–of course–their teachers liking it.

Q: Tell me about a great student or school experience as a sub.

There’s one student. Last year, I had a two-month long-term assignment at my favorite school. He stood out—always pleasant, always trying hard. He wasn’t the top student, but he shined in his own way. Even outside class, he’d greet me. I knew he was into music, making his own rap and sound production.

I had a collection of over 300 CDs and I gave them to him. He even said, “You could sell these,” and I told him, “I’d feel better giving them to you than that money would make me feel.”

That job ended in November. When I returned to the school months later as a regular sub, he was the first person I saw—just by coincidence. He called out, “Rob!” and we hugged. We talked and he told me his grandma had passed away, but his spirits were up. I was touched he recognized me and shared that with me. He still has the CDs, and every time I’m back at the site, he’s a point person for me. I see him and can’t help but feel joy.

At this school, where I sub often, I’ve built deep relationships. Honestly, nothing makes me feel better than experiences like these.

As a substitute, you don’t expect those kinds of connections. He’s a blessing—and so are the other kids at that school.

Q: Can you share a challenging yet rewarding experience as a sub?

Middle school classes have been the most challenging. The rewarding experience is getting through the day calmly and teaching the lesson. I learn how to be supportive to the kids and remember that I’m a guest in their space. I also think back to how I felt as a student when we had a sub—it always felt like a break, even if you liked the teacher.

Q: What advice would you give someone subbing for the first time?

Follow Scoot’s tips—they’re really helpful for preparation. And definitely reach out to your point person if you have concerns or difficult situations.

You’ll find that–at least in my experience– Scoot is incredibly supportive. It’s not punitive. They don’t come down on you. They want you to feel good and succeed. Take advantage of those things.

Even as a teacher with 28 years of experience, I used Growth Hub to learn more. I didn’t assume I knew everything. So yes, follow Scoot’s tips. They’ll help you, especially if you haven’t been in a classroom since you were a student yourself.

Q: Tell me about your experience with Growth Hub.

I did all [the microlearning modules] and found it worthwhile. My favorite resource was the teacher feedback form. My point person first told me about it, and I’ve used it ever since.

Before, I’d leave quick notes on a post-it—usually something trite or a list of difficult students. The form is better because it includes space for positive feedback too.

Teachers have thanked me for using it, saying they rarely get feedback. It’s structured, easy to use, and works for any grade or school. I make a bunch of copies to use every time I go.

And as a former classroom teacher, I wanted to know how my class behaves when I’m gone. This form is an easy way for me to touch base with the teacher and give a glimpse of what’s going on when they’re not there.

Q: If you could describe your experience at Scoot in one word, what would that be?

I want to use two words: warm and fuzzy.

Q: Looking back, what stands out most about your experience with Scoot?

Scoot is a great agency. They’re more supportive than the school district I devoted 18 years to. They pay better and pay weekly, which helps with budgeting. Districts usually pay a month later, and even with a pension, that’s been tough. That’s one reason I’ve devoted myself more to Scoot this year than any other district.

Toward the end of my career, I felt invisible. If I did something wrong, I’d hear about it immediately. But if I did something well, it was up to me and my students to acknowledge it—and students rarely do. In public schools, no news is good news. That’s an unfortunate state of the public school classroom. There should be a lot more good news.

With Scoot, I feel valued. I’ll trade knowing about a job ahead of time for that morning call because

I feel Scoot shows appreciation and interest in what I do and why. Those things matter–especially if you’ve done this a long time.

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Concluding thoughts

We’re so glad Rob continues to enjoy teaching high schoolers as a Scoot substitute teacher! We’re inspired by his heart to help students thrive and always improve in the classroom.

If Rob’s story resonates with you at all, consider applying to Scoot Education! We’re excited to provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed.

Apply now