Conversation so far:
What did Stephen Hillenburg start his career in?
Teaching
What subject did Stephen Hillenburg teach when he became a teacher?
Marine science and maritime history.
Did Stephen Hillenburg teach any other subjects in his early career besides marine science and maritime history?
He taught tide-pool ecology, nautical history, diversity and adaptation.

Question: Between those years did he come up with Sponge bob?
Self-contained rewrite: In his early career, did Stephen Hillenburg come up with Sponge Bob