Beloved Westchester County teacher gives last hands-on forensics exam before retiring
Scott Rubins transforms Nature Study Woods into a mock crime for the exam. He has taught forensics at New Rochelle High School for years.
A beloved science teacher is giving his students a final exam they won't forget.
Scott Rubins has taught forensics at New Rochelle High School for years.
One of his favorite days of the year is when he transforms Nature Study Woods into a mock crime scene for his forensic final exam.
"We have seven different crime scenes set up this year," Rubins says. "Each group from each class will go to one crime scene for 55 minutes, where they have to do exactly what the professionals would do. They have to process the scene. They have to find the evidence. They have to identify the evidence. They have to bag the evidence and collect it properly," Rubins says.
Rubins says this year's exam is extra special because it is the last one he'll give before retiring.
"It's strange, it's a very bittersweet feeling. When it's time to go, it's time to go. But this has clearly had an impact and it's a lot of fun for me and the students enjoy it," Rubins says.
District officials say more than 4,000 students have taken Rubins' exam over the years.
Students like Isabella Lopez say they prefer the interactive, hands-on approach over a traditional test.
"The world is very much like this, as we're doing it right now, so written exams don't really match the standards that children could put in," Lopez says.
Former student and current forensic analyst Eric Sarracino says the final inspired him to pursue forensics as a career.
"If it wasn't for this course, I don't know if I would have pursued it as much as I have," Sarracino says.
As for what's next, Rubins says you'll have to wait and see.
"I have a few things in the water, I'm looking at different things. I'm looking to work part-time for anyone who is looking to hire me," Rubins says.
In the meantime, Rubins says he'll continue supporting his students' dreams whether he's in the classroom or not.
