St. Robert School students may have spotted an unfamiliar face around the elementary school hallways in recent weeks. This person is Mr. Otto, our temporary fourth grade teacher. Students at St. Robert are lucky to have him, even if it’s only temporary.

Mr. Otto explained, “I was already connected with the parish, so when I heard about the opportunity [to sub at the school] it seemed like a really great fit.”

Mr. Otto had been part of the parish community before ever considering becoming a teacher at the school. When asked about his favorite unit to teach so far, he responded with economics, saying “We did a project on economics and the kids got to create their own imaginary business.” The new teacher also shared his favorite standard class to teach, which would be science. “You can tie it in with many aspects of life,” he noted. Mr. Otto cares very much about the education of his fourth graders, saying, “I’ve always kind of wanted to be a teacher. I want to be part of something bigger than myself… It just feels like that’s always what I wanted to do.”

The new fourth grade teacher is also popular with students. For example, 4th grader Andrew says, “He’s very nice!” When asked what he likes about Mr. Otto, Andrew said that he always explains things very thoroughly. His favorite of Mr. Otto’s classes is math, and Andrew believes that he has become a better student since Mr. Otto has arrived.

All in all, Mr. Otto has been an amazing addition to the staff, the school, and the family at St. Robert. Finally Mr. Otto says that the best part of his teaching experience here has been the kids he gets to teach: “It’s great to be playing a role in the formation of these children.”