The quiet halls of Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland are filled with grief this week after the unexpected passing of Andrew Otero, a beloved mathematics teacher, mentor, and community leader. His sudden death has left students, families, and faculty struggling to make sense of the loss of someone who devoted his life to service and education.
Otero, a native of Bristol, Connecticut, first stepped into a life of service as a young man when he joined the United States Marine Corps at just 17. He served for five years and was stationed in Washington, D.C., where his work supported operations at the White House during the Obama administration. Those early years shaped his deep commitment to discipline, honor, and service.
After his military service, Andrew became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Towson University. He later made his home in Dundalk, Maryland, and began a career in education that quickly became a calling.
At Severn School, Otero was known for challenging his students while making them feel supported every step of the way. He taught AP Computer Science Principles and AP Calculus AB, subjects with a reputation for difficulty — but in his classroom, even the hardest lessons came alive. Students recall his clear explanations and genuine care for their success.
But Andrew’s influence didn’t stop at math. He served as Grade Dean for the Class of 2025, guiding students through critical years of growth. He also advised United Spectrum, a group focused on gender and sexuality inclusion, and the Severn Service Society, which supports the school and greater Annapolis community. In every room he walked into, he left a sense of encouragement and purpose.
Outside the classroom, Otero was a trusted leader. He was the Head Coach for Track & Field, a role in which he poured the same passion and support into his athletes as he did into his students. At the same time, he served on the school’s Steering Committee and helped co-chair the finance section of Severn’s accreditation process — quietly shaping the future of the institution he loved.
To his friends, colleagues, and especially his students, Andrew was more than a teacher. He was a compassionate mentor, a dedicated father, and a trusted friend. Many remember him for his ability to make every person feel seen and valued — a rare gift that extended far beyond lesson plans and board work.
As the Severn School community reflects on his life, they honor a legacy that went well beyond academics: a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering belief in the potential of others. His impact will live on in the countless lives he shaped, and in the stories of encouragement and growth that friends and students will carry forward.
