How Scoot Education helped a New Jersey Poet channel his passion into teaching

Poet and speaker Emilio Montilla is accustomed to staring into a sea of expectant faces. His speaking performances across the Northeastern U.S. have made him comfortable in front of large groups. His audience is a bit different today: it’s all kids.

As a substitute teacher in New Jersey, Montilla has found a way to bridge his experience with education and his current love for sharing ideas through written and spoken text.

“I focus my energy toward empowering young and old using the vehicle of spoken word poetry.”

Returning to schools as a full-time substitute teacher allowed him to engage with young people on a more intentional level. It was a career move that he saw as “a good and exciting challenge.”

Montilla had experience off and on with education for more than 18 years. Most recently, however, he worked at a local post office.

After an injury forced him to consider other work, Montilla remembered his passion for working with children.

“I have a good sense for them and I’m easily able to work with students,” he says.

Montilla began looking online for job opportunities to get him back into a classroom or community space where he could engage with kids and make a difference.

“I was looking to get back into education and came across Scoot Education online,” Montilla says.

“Scoot was responsive and friendly. It felt heartwarming. I enjoy speaking with the staff at Scoot.”

Rather than sorting through potential teaching positions, Montilla was able to rely on his dedicated consultant, who paired him with flexible and engaging opportunities at Scoot’s partner schools. With so many job opportunities always available, Montilla is grateful for the consistency he finds working through Scoot.

Being a substitute teacher is a rewarding career. Still, there are administrative details that all employees in New Jersey have to wade through.

Understanding licensure, background checks, and different school requirements can be daunting, so using an expert service like Scoot Education helped Montilla streamline the administrative process to get back into the classroom.

“The possibilities are endless. There are a lot of options,” Montilla says. Thanks to Scoot’s help, he’s easily moved between schools and jobs, and he’s pleased with the opportunities so far. Initially set for just one month, his current position has continued for more than four, and he has no plans to leave anytime soon.

“Working with Scoot has allowed me to know wonderful kids who just need a little love and guidance.”

Montilla finds that every day in the classroom fills him with as much energy as it takes. “What drives me is the idea that I may plant a seed in their brain of positivity, growth, empowerment, confidence, self-belief, encouragement, knowledge, wisdom and understanding,” he says.

Even during the months when his assignments are varied, and he’s meeting new students frequently, his passion for teaching helps jumpstart the day and get the students comfortable.

Montilla encourages anyone who’s considering teaching to give it a shot. Above all, he returns to the sense of purpose he gets from being a substitute teacher for so many different kids.

After writing his book and spending countless hours perfecting his public speaking and interaction skills, Montilla has found a way to share his passion and talents with the next generation. “It gives my speaking purpose,” he says.

“It’s a unique opportunity to reach developing minds change their lives for the better.”

Want to sub with us?

If you’re a current sub or someone looking for hands-on teaching experience, apply to Scoot Education! We’re an educational staffing company helping to create exceptional experiences in education.

As a Scoot sub, you’ll get 1-on-1 support through a personal education consultant, connect with job opportunities that are aligned to your needs and market leading pay.

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