Lynn M. Otterson
Round Lake
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Southern Illinois University, Benedictine University and Warren Township High School, excelling in curriculum development and instructional design. Proven leadership in enhancing student engagement and fostering diversity through innovative teaching strategies. Committed to student success, utilizing educational technology to create inclusive learning environments. Recognized for mentoring staff and improving instructional practices.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
College Essay Writing Instructor "ProfessorPro"
Self-Employed
Round Lake
07.2023 - Current
- Facilitated interactive workshops on creative and technical writing techniques.
- Provided individualized feedback on student writing assignments to enhance skills.
- Mentored aspiring writers through personalized coaching sessions and critiques.
Adjunct Lecturer
Southern Illinois University
08.2015 - Current
- Instruct EDUC 319: Language, Culture and Learning, EDUC 418: Critical Issues in the Profession of Teaching, EDUC 301: Reflective Instructional Practices, EDUC 302: Methods of Instructional Practices, and EDUC 303: Advanced Instructional Practices for undergraduate courses within the Elementary Education and Special Education teacher readiness programs
- Facilitate on-line discussions and manage Desire to Learn web format
- Facilitate on-line discussions and manage Live Text web format
- Create engaging classroom format and environment for in-person classroom model
- Maintain excellent and effective relationships with students, faculty and staff
- Attend professional development workshops at the University Center of Lake County
- Review Board for Gateway Portfolio Defense
- Master of Ceremonies for Graduation
PLT Leader for Honors Language and Composition College Dual Credit
Warren Township High School
08.2011 - Current
- Lead, instruct, and collaborate with administration, PLT leaders, and English department colleagues concerning the fourth year of English instruction at the Almond Campus.
- Mentored staff to improve instructional practices and classroom management.
- Developed a course for dual credit coordination.
- Evaluated educational resources for effectiveness and alignment with curriculum goals.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress, identify challenges, and develop solutions.
Reading Instruction Faculty Presenter
Warren Township High School
09.2005 - Current
- Serve as resident Content Area Reading Instruction Presenter for multiple presentations across school disciplines including 'Reading in the High School Science Classroom,' 'Content Area Reading Strategies in the Foreign Language Arena,' 'Reflective Reading: The Missing Piece in the Content Area Puzzle,' and 'Reading Strategies for New Secondary Educators'
High School English Teacher
Warren Township High School
06.2002 - Current
- Instruct students in Honors Dual Credit Language and Composition, Junior English, Communications courses
- Instruct English 2 Remediation course for the ELL student
- Manipulate curriculum to encompass the various learning styles of ELL students
- Established a multicultural literature library within the classroom and multicultural text inclusion within the original curriculum of all classes taught
- Developed an intrinsic motivation rewards system to encourage growth and understanding
- Developed speech activities to promote inclusiveness within the regular education classroom
- Wrote a college readiness skills curriculum with the ELL learner specifically outlined
- Promote a classroom environment where cultural diversity activities are a daily and/or weekly occurrence
- Manage online engagement and create modules on Canvas web format
Unite and Inform Diversity Club Sponsor
Warren Township High School
01.2016 - 05.2020
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of students to accomplish goals and address issues related to our school ideals and values.
- Identified needs of students promptly and efficiently.
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
Benedictine University
10.2007 - 01.2015
- Instruct Content Area Literacy and Learning and Curriculum Design and Instruction for master level courses in the Reading Specialist Master Degree Program
- Instruct Cultural Diversity and English as a Second Language and Multicultural Literature for Children and Adolescents in the ELL certificate program
- Developed and wrote course entitled Theoretical Foundations of Literacy and Learning to be included in the Reading Specialist Master Degree Program in Spring Semester 2015
- Received Senior Lecturer status in June 2012
- Reading Specialist Portfolio Supervisor
- Facilitate on-line discussions and manage Desire to Learn web format
- Create engaging classroom format and environment for in-person classroom model
- Maintain excellent and effective relationships with students, faculty and staff
- Attend professional development workshops at Moser Center
- Present at professional development workshops at Moser Center
Summer School Dean
Warren Township High School
07.2011 - 07.2011
- Supervised student behavior and enforced school policies effectively.
- Collaborated with teachers to address student academic and social needs.
- Coordinated interventions for at-risk students in a supportive environment.
Junior Class Advisor
Warren Township High School
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Created and developed a Prom for one thousand attendees in 2008, 2009, and 2010 with the Junior Class Board
Education
Master Course Work - English Education
Eastern Illinois University
08.2020
Master Course Work - English Education
Southern Illinois University
08.2020
Master - School Leadership Type 75
Concordia University
08.2008
Master Course Work - Curriculum and Instruction
Olivet Nazarene University
07.2007
Master - Literacy Education
Dominican University
04.2005
Bachelor of Science - English
Illinois State University
05.2002
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design
- Student assessment
- Educational technology
- Content area literacy
- Online teaching
- Diversity training
- Leadership ability
Conference Presentations
- Content Area Literacy: Every Teacher is a Reading Teacher, Professional Learning Team Leaders Presentation, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL, 09/06, 05/07, 04/13, 02/14, 01/15
- Energize the WTHS Evaluation Tool while Mastering Learning Styles: How to be a Superhero in your own classroom, All Staff Institute Day Presentation, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL, 02/14, 04/14
- Writing a Killer College Essay: How to Knock ‘Em Dead on the Application, College Preparedness Seminar, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL, 06/13, 06/14, 06/15, 06/16, 06/17, 06/18, 06/19, 08/20, 06/21, 06/22, 06/23, 06/24, 06/25
- Lord of the Halls and Lord of the Flies: Anti-Bullying Curriculum in High School English Classrooms, Illinois Association of Teachers of English Conference Presenter, Oak Brook, IL, 10/25/08
- The Teaching of Reading in the High School Science Classroom, Illinois Association of Teachers of Chemistry and Physics Conference Presenter, Illinois State University, 10/10/08
- Memoirs of a Former Victim: How to Prevent Bullying in High School Classrooms, Warren Township High School Institute Day Presentation, Gurnee, IL, 01/08
- Owning Up Training Institute: Anti-Bullying Strategies with expert Rosalind Wiseman, Washington D.C., 10/07
Presentations
- Let’s Have a P.A.R.T.Y: How to be Rigorous and Engaging as a College Instructor, Benedictine Instructor Seminar Presenter, Lisle, IL, 05/12
- Lord of the Halls and Lord of the Flies: Anti-Bullying Curriculum in High School English Classrooms, National Louis University Cohort Presenter, Round Lake, IL, 08/09
Accomplishments
College of Lake County Dual Credit Instructor of the Year 2022
Timeline
College Essay Writing Instructor "ProfessorPro"
Self-Employed
07.2023 - Current
Unite and Inform Diversity Club Sponsor
Warren Township High School
01.2016 - 05.2020
Adjunct Lecturer
Southern Illinois University
08.2015 - Current
PLT Leader for Honors Language and Composition College Dual Credit
Warren Township High School
08.2011 - Current
Summer School Dean
Warren Township High School
07.2011 - 07.2011
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
Benedictine University
10.2007 - 01.2015
Junior Class Advisor
Warren Township High School
08.2007 - 05.2010
Reading Instruction Faculty Presenter
Warren Township High School
09.2005 - Current
High School English Teacher
Warren Township High School
06.2002 - Current
Master Course Work - English Education
Eastern Illinois University
Master Course Work - English Education
Southern Illinois University
Master - School Leadership Type 75
Concordia University
Master Course Work - Curriculum and Instruction
Olivet Nazarene University
Master - Literacy Education
Dominican University
Bachelor of Science - English
Illinois State University