Mr. Cotter graduated from West Plains High School in 2000.  He then attended Southwest Missouri State in West Plains earning an Associate's degree in General Studies.  In 2005, Mr. Cotter completed his Bachelor's degree in History from Missouri State University in Springfield.  This degree carried state certification to teach social studies in grades 9-12.  Mr. Cotter completed a Master's degree in Educational Administration (Secondary Principal) in December 2008 and is currently working toward a Specialist in Education from Missouri State University in Springfield.  Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. Cotter worked in the tire industry for eight years. 

Mr. Cotter's student teaching experience was at Dora High School under Mrs. Becky Stratton.  He has taught at Gainesville High School and West Plains High School.  In May 2009, Mr. Cotter was hired as Assistant Director of the South Central Career Center and Director of Adult Education for West Plains R-VII Schools. 

Mr. Cotter works with several community organizations including Optimist Club, Sunrise Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce, Howell County Board of Facilities and Jails, Civic Center Board of Directors, and the CASA-sponsored Haunting in the Hollows of Galloway Park.

He is also a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, Missouri Career and Technical Administrators' Association, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 

To contact Mr. Cotter, please call (417) 256-6152.