3 Teachers Join SHS Teaching Staff
Two familiar faces and one new one have recently joined the Southfield High teaching staff.
Nic Hamilton has joined the Math Department, and both Tom Peters and Debra Thomas have joined the Science Department.
NIC HAMILTON
Hamilton, who formerly taught math at Southfield High, has returned from teaching at Brace-Lederle, which includes grades kindergarten through eighth grade. “I love to teach regardless of grade, so being able to get my foot in the door is great,” said Hamilton, who has been teaching for nine years.
“They’re shutting Brace down, so I thought the chances of me getting a job would be higher if I came early,” Hamilton said.
Southfield Public Schools plans to close Brace after this year as part of its restructuring efforts in the wake of reduced enrollment.
Hamilton is a graduate of Western Michigan University.
TOM PETERS
Similarly, Tom Peters, who formerly taught science at Southfield High, has returned from teaching at Birney for two years.
Peters is a 26-year veteran who began his career at Detroit Redford, where he taught for 10 years. He taught at Southfield-Lathrup High School for three years, Southfield High for 11 years, and Birney for two years.
Peters said he prefers teaching high school students because they are more mature and attentive.
Due to their previous experience at Southfield High School, both Hamilton and Peters are already acclimated to the school’s atmosphere. “I like Southfield High because I already know everyone and I’m used to the climate of the school,” said Peters, who is a graduate from University of Detroit where he majored in Biology.
DEBRA THOMAS
Along with re-emerging talent, Debra Thomas is a fresh face in Southfield High School’s Science Department. “I’ve always wanted to teach here,” said Thomas.
During her 14-year career in education, Thomas previously taught at Southfield-Lathrup High School, Birney K-8 School, and Southfield Regional Academic Campus.
Thomas is a graduate of three universities. She earned her master’s degree in biology at Central Michigan University, her undergraduate degree at Lake Superior State University, and her teaching certificate at Eastern Michigan University.
Brittney Russell • Jan 13, 2016 at 11:33 am
i like Mr.Peters. i once had him as a teacher at Birney Middle School.
Daren Allen • Jan 11, 2016 at 6:56 pm
I like this story most of all. It’s well-written and now I am well-informed on the staff community.