From sunny Santa Barbara to Salt Lake City, this teacher brings his vibrant character to Judge. 

Mr. Otte is our newest addition to Utah Catholic education. He teaches social studies at Lady of Lourdes Middle School Academy, eighth-grade American history, and tenth-grade world history. 

Additionally, he teaches American government & Economics for seniors at Judge. 

Otte was raised in Santa Barbara, California, where he lived for the majority of his life. He played soccer in high school, and even soccer and track at the collegiate level. 

After attending Westmont College for two years, he graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2024 and is currently a master’s student in the PACE (Pacific Alliance of Catholic Educators) program. 

Prior to Otte’s role, he was a long-term sub in his hometown and worked in tech sales. 

His final destination was not always Utah however. Through the PACE Program, Otte chose a variety of states in which he preferred to teach. After not receiving any of his personal preferences, he was met with an opportunity to teach at Lourdes to teach history related subjects, and then began teaching Judge classes as well.  

“I had an English teacher in college who was 75 years old, and he loved English so much. He had more life and vitality than most people that I know.” says Otte. “So it’s interesting to see him bring that passion. You know, bring the pages, t

he stories to life. That was inspiring.” 

He first saw himself working in physical therapy, and he started off with a kinesiology major, but changed his mind down the road. Otte also saw himself as a writer/journalist early on. 

“Who do I look up to? I think the number one man would be Jesus.” says Otte. He explains how his faith is highly important to his identity. 

When asked about his hobbies, he responded with his recent development of trail running and being outside in general. He also looks forward to being around people, such as with friends. 

Otte was optimistic about discussing a recent memory with student Miles Augustine, who asked an unexpected question about a suspected girlfriend. If not this, often when his sophomores joke around with him, with modern-day social media terms. 

Otte wants the Judge and Lourdes community to know that he learns while he goes. He emphasizes “the spirit of humility”. Through trial and error, this remarkable teacher engraves his path at Judge each day. 

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Otte into our community for this school year and the future!