Since 2006, a small, bearded man with an interesting sense of humor has been teaching English at Danville High School. Derek Otto teaches Honors English III, Project Based Learning, and Contemporary Literature at Danville High School. “I think that I have the best job in the school,” said Otto. He enjoys going to school and doing his job every day. Otto has a unique personality and teaching technique, which has a lot to do with project based learning. His teaching techniques are different than most other teachers at Danville High School, and what he brings to the classroom is unique and interests students. He has students do more hands on work, using modern technology to produce the majority of the projects.

Otto attended Centre College. He became interested in the Danville schools through the observations that he attended at Danville High. When asked about what he likes about Danville High School, he said, “The people are the best. The students and faculty are what make this job for me at Danville High School enjoyable. It’s also great to be in a school with such a history and so much potential to be one of the best High Schools in the state.”

“I want to make learning a more student centered experience,” he said. “I want to be able to challenge students to prepare them for college and the life which they will lead after college.”

--Written by Jack Graham, Journalism 1, 2011-2012