Each month we are spotlighting different staff members to encourage appreciation and awareness. This month join us in welcoming Todd Zamora! One of our newest members of the Howe Team! We are so grateful to have him.

Todd Zamora

My name is Todd Zamora and I’m a 5th grade teacher here at Howe Elementary.  My goal here is to give a quality education to the students, build positive relationships, and help make this educational journey a fun and memorable experience for all.  

I’ve been in elementary education for over 13 wonderful years. I received my teaching certification at Wayne State University. Although I’ve taught for over 13 years, I’ve only recently begun teaching here at Howe since October of this school year. I previously worked at Cesar Chavez Academy in Southwest, Detroit. Through those experiences at CCA, I learned so much about how to build meaningful relationships in the classroom along with a deep understanding of how to teach to a diverse group of learners. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to teach here at Howe and hopefully have a positive impact on the students and community. 

There were many reasons why I wanted to work at Howe. After meeting most of the staff, I believe they share the same vision that I have when it comes to education. I could tell they care about giving the students the best experience possible during their time here at school. I made an immediate connection to their ideas and philosophies on how education should be for elementary students, and it mostly starts with having a huge heart for teaching. In addition, after meeting some of the students and their families, it didn’t take me long to make the decision for Howe to be my new home.  

A little bit about me…I moved to Dearborn over 20 years ago and started a family here. I have a wife, 3 children, and a very animated and fearless Yorkie puppy. We love to have family gatherings together with each other along with my extended family.  We especially enjoy having outside barbecues in the spring or summer together. Furthermore, we do our best to go on as many adventures or vacations as we can as a family. Our favorite place to visit is Traverse City, MI. 

Some of my personal interests include supporting all of our local professional sports teams, especially the Detroit Lions! I really enjoy, like I mentioned previously, spending time with my family. We do many things together such as traveling, snowboarding, skiing, hiking and exploring our great state. All of my interests will somehow include spending time with my family. 

I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be a 5th grade teacher here at Howe elementary. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me here. 

Each month we are highlighting different staff members to encourage appreciation and awareness. This month take a moment to say hello to Mrs. Filas! A cheerful greeting or smile can help create a school full of warmth. Her work is so appreciate in the lives of those she impacts. Thanks for all you do!

Nicole Ashley Filas

Job Title: High School Severe and Multiply Impaired Teacher 

Description of what you do for Dearborn Schools in 3 sentences or less:
Making a difference, one life at a time. 

What Elementary School did you attend? (Name, City, State)
St. Joseph Catholic School. Howell, MI

How long have you been at Howe and how many years of professional work experience do you have?
9 years at Howe School.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
A doctor

Name something you look forward to each day you walk into Howe? 
The excitement and happiness on my students’ faces.

What was your first job?
Pool concession stand.

Share with us a few of your favorite things…
shopping, basketball, swimming, and my children.

What is your favorite genre of books to read?
True Crime

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Ability to play basketball in a wheelchair.

How would your co-workers describe you? 
Caring

What is your greatest achievement? 
Getting out of a wheelchair and relearning how to walk again.

What parts of our school Mission/Beliefs/Vision do you connect with? 
Promoting independence with Functional life skills.

How would you describe our school culture?
Inclusive and welcoming

What is your classroom like? 
A loving family community 

What’s the day-to-day of your role like? 
Every day is a different experience!

Do you have a success story, aha moment, or funny school memory you can share? 
When my class was out on community based instruction, one of my students got a person to put a turkey on the back of his wheelchair without our knowledge. He almost stole a turkey and a 6 pack of orange pop!

This round we are featuring a special group of ladies who all work in the same classroom. They refer to themselves as the Adams & Company. What an amazing group of ladies dedicated to our students for such a long time! Show them kindness with a thoughtful word of encouragement or pop your head into their classroom to wave hello! Read more about them here…

Full Name: 

Kathleen Adams   Gail Sosnitza   Leslie Sisoy

Job Title:  The Education Team for Room 107

Description of what you do for Dearborn Schools in 3 sentences or less: 

Mrs Adams is the teacher and Ms. Gail and Ms. Sisoy are the para educators 

What Elementary School did you attend? 

Mrs. Adams went to Perrinville in Livonia. 

Ms. Gail went to Madison in Dearborn Heights.  

Ms. Sisoy went to elementary school in Detroit.

How long have you been at Howe and how many years of professional work experience do you have? 

Mrs. Adams has worked for DPS for 35 years.

Ms. Gail for 25 years.  

Ms. Sisoy for 25 years.  

We have worked together as Adams & Company for over 22 years.  Most of our time was spent at Snow School until we moved here. We absolutely love our new school.

What is your greatest achievement? 

We all agree that our greatest achievement is our families.  

What is your classroom like? Our classroom is warm and nurturing.  Everyone is welcome in our classroom.  

We expect great things from our children and they never disappoint!  They work so hard in school to be the very best they can be.

What’s the day-to-day of your role like? 

Room 107 is a busy place.  We work on independent living skills, like eating, dressing, using the bathroom, walking, and communicating.  These skills are practiced throughout the day while working on academics.  We have language arts and math everyday and alternate monthly between science and social studies.