For Dr. Claudia Otto, the vocation of education involves more than academics. It is a calling, rooted deeply in faith, service, and the belief that every learner deserves to be seen for their individual strengths and unique abilities. As the new Program Director for Southern Nazarene University (SNU)’s Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education (MAASE) program, Dr. Otto brings more than two decades of experience serving students, families, and educators across the state of Oklahoma. She also brings a deep passion for helping others grow both intellectually and spiritually to her new position.
Faith and Community at the Center
When asked what she believes to be the most valuable element of SNU, Dr. Otto doesn’t hesitate: “The people who have chosen to work at SNU because they want to work where we no longer need to separate state and church. We can teach as Christ wanted us to…with Him and through Him.”
For Dr. Otto, the integration of faith and learning makes SNU unique. She sees the university as a space where students can grow intellectually while also cultivating reflective spirituality. “[Christ] should be a part of our daily lives,” she says, explaining that while we’re learning to grow in mind, we should also be growing in heart at SNU.
As the MAASE Program Director, she hopes to create a sense of connection and belonging for her students. “I will strive to welcome students and do what I can to make sure they feel our program is an extension of their homes,” she shares. “I want them to feel validated and heard. Appreciation of what we have to offer is where reflective growth begins and slowly turns into a sweet, loving faith.”
A Lifetime of Service in Special Education
Dr. Otto’s 21-year career has spanned K-12 education, higher education, and state-level service, driven by her commitment to advocacy and inclusion. In addition to her role at SNU, she currently serves as a Special Education Facilitator with Enid Public Schools and as the NASNTI Grant Disability Service Expert at Seminole State College.
Her professional history includes roles with Ponca City Public Schools, the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and more. Her focus has remained constant across each setting: improving access and outcomes for students with disabilities and their families.
Dr. Otto has shared her expertise widely across the state of Oklahoma, serving on numerous state boards and presenting at local, regional, national, and international conferences. As a bilingual educator, she has co-presented sessions in both English and Spanish for families across the state, helping to ensure that vital transition and support information is accessible to all.
“I work in this field to ensure that people with disabilities are seen for their strengths and not the negative impacts from a disability, “ she says. “I firmly believe that our weaknesses are simply strengths in training.”
Teaching and Learning as a Relationship
Dr. Otto sees teaching as deeply relational, viewing it as a partnership between educator and student that thrives on trust, reflection, and faith. “Do not hesitate to reach out and give me, give us, a chance to chat and get to know you,” she encourages current and potential students. “Together we can build a relationship that meets your hopes and learning endeavors and offers us an opportunity to share and grow with you on your educational pursuits. After all, teaching and learning is a relationship.”
She encourages graduate students to approach their studies with a sense of curiosity and commitment. Success, she believes, comes from participation, connection, and balance. “Cultivate self-discipline and time management skills, engage actively with faculty and peers to build a support network, and focus on deep learning over just grades,” she advises. “Think of the class content as more than just work to complete and learn,” she says. “It’s about immersion into the content material and seeing yourself within the opportunity before you.”
Faith in Action
Faith guides every aspect of Dr. Otto’s work and life. “It is important to me to follow Christ’s teachings, faithful trust in His Guidance, and express my faith through love, service, fellowship, and discipleship,” she shares. “I strive that my actions reflect who I am and choose to be so that I am a role model to my family, friends, colleagues, and community.”
She finds joy in teaching courses centered around disability awareness and cultural responsiveness and looks forward to beginning her teaching journey at SNU next semester.
Dr. Otto’s life of service, scholarship, and faith intertwine beautifully. “I do this because I want to serve my Lord, my family, and my community,” she says. “As an educator, I serve the Lord through helping students grow spiritually and academically. I serve my family by fostering a love for learning and sharing. I serve my community by acting as a role model, mentor, and leader.”
A Message for Future Educators
To current and future special education professionals, Dr. Otto offers this excellent bit of encouragement: “Create an inclusive classroom culture by focusing on strengths and providing individualized, accessible support that fosters collaboration and promotes positive attitudes. Recognize a disability is not something that needs to be fixed; it is something that makes your student who he or she is. Embrace the whole student, because it is our whole self that makes us the beautiful person we are. Realize that a weakness is simply a strength in training. It just needs more practice time to transition into strength.”
With deep compassion and unshakeable faith, Dr. Otto embodies the mission of SNU. She strives to shape leaders who serve others through knowledge, empathy, and grace. Her leadership of the MAASE program will serve to nurture a generation of administrators and educators who will carry those same values into their schools, communities, and the lives of the students they serve.
