Hello!  My name is Carrie Otis, and I am an 8th grade Earth Science teacher.  I have been a science teacher at Sanford since the fall of 2011.  I am very excited to about the upcoming school year!  

I never thought I'd be a teacher when I was growing up, but now I can't imagine doing anything else.  I earned my BA in Biology at the College of St. Benedict.  After college, I joined AmeriCorps and spent 2 years living in Ashland, Oregon doing natural resources work.  I learned much about fuels reduction (and became pretty good with a chainsaw!), water restoration, wildland firefighting, trailbuilding, and environmental education.  It was while leading a group of 5th graders into a wetland to yank out purple loosestrife that I realized that I liked to teach!  

I attended the University of Minnesota to earn my teaching license and M.Ed in Science Education, and have been teaching high school and middle school science since 2007.  

When not teaching, I love spending time outside.  During the summer, I try to spend as much time camping, canoeing, biking, and gardening as I can. During the winter, you can find me cross country skiing or snowshoeing (even to work!), or curled up with my cat, Fred, and a good book.  

I am so excited for this school year!  Please don't hesitate to call or email with questions or concerns!  My preferred method of communication is email, but can set up phone times or a face-to-face meeting before or after school.  My contact information is caroline.otis@mpls.k12.mn.us.