Peter Howell Elementary

Marcia is an 18-year employee at Howell Elementary. She began her time at the midtown school when her own children attended Howell, getting started as a school monitor. Over the years, she has worked her way into the Community Liaison position after putting in the work as a one-on-one aide, working in self-contained classrooms, serving as the attendance clerk, and more.  

Even though her children moved on from Howell, Marcia has stayed because it feels like a home, she said. And it is like a second home. When walking to her office, there is a Star Wars themed bulletin next to her door. But once inside, guests are treated to an 8-foot animatronic Darth Vader, who was donated and is always decorated for the current holiday. 

“My two favorites are Yoda and Darth Vader because I’m a big believer in balance – work balance, home balance,” Marcia said. 

Irma makes a 35–45-minute commute to and from work daily. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. Irma started at Howell Elementary 30 years ago, as a substitute teacher. She really liked the midtown school so, when a position opened up for the following school year, Irma took them up on it.  

Over the last decade, Irma has started seeing the children of former students of hers come in. A couple of years ago, a parent said they drove 25 minutes to send her child to Howell because she was an alum of the school and had Irma as her 3rd grade teacher. 

“I love the community,” Irma said. “I love the student population. And that is what has kept me here for 30 years. I really enjoy coming to work every day.” 

Flor has made it full circle at Howell Elementary. Back in 1996, she first came to the midtown school as the bilingual 4th and 5th grade teacher out in the portables. Her positions changed over the years, but once an ELD position opened up she knew she wanted to get back to teaching English Language Learners (ELL). 

“From the very beginning, since I started with bilingual students, I always had a certain passion for ELLs,” Flor said. “And my focus got stronger, more passionate about working with my ELLs.” 

Flor has now been teaching ELLs for more than 10 years, and she finds the work very rewarding. 

“We get students from many different countries,” Flor said. “They bring their culture, their passion to learn about the United States and they’re so passionate about learning English quickly.”