Beloved Post Oak Teacher Retires After Many Years of Contributions

Originally posted on The Buzz Magazines by student reporter Leila Lopez Marks.

Nine years ago, a few dedicated people decided to expand The Post Oak School from just a K-8 school to a high school, as well. One of these people was Dr. Janet Ott, biology teacher and neuroscientist. Since starting at Post Oak, Dr. Ott has been an integral part of the school. Her dedication is shown through teaching and interactions with the students and staff of Post Oak and through her work in helping to create the Post Oak High School.

Over the past nine years, Dr. Ott has watched countless students grow and change and discover new things about themselves and the world. This, she says, is her favorite aspect of working with students. In classes, she is always ready and willing to help and explain a vast array of topics. She also enjoys nerding out with students about science and personal finance. Although this has been difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, she still hosts her classes virtually through Zoom and still manages to geek out regularly with students and staff alike. 

However, over the past year or so, Dr. Ott has decided to retire from teaching at Post Oak in order to pursue other interests of hers that she has not yet had time to explore.

“Nine years ago, I had the opportunity to help start the Post Oak High School. While those first years were both tough and exhilarating, they were also the most interesting challenge I have ever had in education, and the chance to put my stamp on something that I consider a triumph," said Dr. Ott. "Working with this dedicated and hard-working high school team has been amazing and a joy to be a part of. Being on a campus where the big issues are discussed and developed has always been important to me, and I am grateful to have been here and a part of the long history of Post Oak. I wish you all the very best, and I know I leave you in very good hands!”

As Dr. Ott wishes us all the best, we wish her the best in return and hope that she enjoys doing whatever it is she has decided to do. She has been a great asset to the school and she will always be remembered as one of the people who helped found the Post Oak High School.