High School teacher by day, College Professor by night
November 10, 2022
Mrs. Otterson has a daughter named Sorelle who plays volleyball and her son Channing plays football. At Warren she teaches English III, Honors Lang. and Composition, and Communications. Mrs. Otterson attended Illinois State University where she majored in English Education, minored in Psychology, and received a speech endorsement. She’s not just a high teacher, but also a college professor who teaches future teachers in the Elementary Ed and Special Ed programs for SIU at the University Center. At the University Center she teaches five classes: Reflective Instructional Practices, Methods of Instructional Practices, Advanced
Instructional Practices, Language, Culture & Learning, and Diagnostic Literacy Assessments and Interventions.

Mrs. Otterson has such a busy schedule with practices and games from her kids, teaching Tuesday and Thursday nights at SIU, and still balancing her classes at Warren. She does it all! Her passion for school didn’t just stop with attending ISU, she also attended: Dominican University for a masters degree in Reading, Concordia University for an Educational Leadership Type 75 degree, Olivet Nazarene University, EIU, and SIU for grad school work. She is an extraordinary teacher who has received plenty of degrees. When asked what motivated her to receive many degrees she answered, “I want to wake up each day and be the best educator
possible. If I am going to do something, I want to do it 150%. My mom told me that the world should be a better place because I was in it and to be discontent with mediocrity, so I took that seriously. I want to inspire others and be the best at my craft.” Mrs. Otterson’s mom was clearly a big influence in her education.
come in and energy when I leave. I hope I continue to have this for the remainder of my career and hopefully for the rest of my life.” Mrs. Otterson is definitely the teacher we all need throughout the school day to keep us motivated. Her optimistic personality not only helps her, but also her students.
A few years ago she received an award for being the most valuable teacher. Regarding the award she said, “In this profession, unlike many others, we don’t win trips, we win plastic trophies and receive thanks from our students. It is the highest form of thanks, though, to know that you’ve changed someone’s life. That is why I maintain that this is the best job in the world: we get the privilege of changing lives and inspiring someone’s future life goals and career. I do not think I would feel truly fulfilled by doing anything else.” She found enjoyment in educating others just the way she found it with receiving a great amount of degrees. Mrs. Otterson earned the most valuable teacher award because she once sat behind a desk and now stands in front of the class to guide students towards success.