As classes resumed, Archmere welcomed several new members to our community. Along with the Class of 2028, several new teachers joined the staff for the 24-25 school year.
After serving as a long-term substitute for Mr. Quinn during his paternity leave last spring, Mrs. Liz Duke has decided to become a full-time teacher for the English department where she will teach 9th and 11th graders. Mrs. Duke describes how her experience last year influenced her to stay at Archmere, as she “loved the students’ curiosity and kindness.” Also, she explains how, “all of the colleagues were supportive and it seemed like a warm, welcoming school that was also rigorous and had an engaged student body”.
Mrs. Duke talked about her unique path to becoming a teacher. As a child, Duke dreamed of being a marine biologist. She also described her first real job, working at Ben’s Deli in Brooklyn, New York, making sandwiches and working the register. Right out of her time in college at Swarthmore, she explains how she “hooked up with the People’s Light and Theater Company to become a member, and acted in professional shows while also teaching theater classes.” She even starred as Laura in a Glass Menagerie production. Soon after, she began working in the wider Philadelphia theater community and continued this for 12 years. She argues that, “most people don’t think of theater as a job, but it is.” Mrs. Duke says how this time was very special to her and she enjoyed those years.
Whether you recognize him from leading prayer at lunch or are one of his students, Mr. John Hughes is the newest member of the history department. Coming from St. Mark’s High School, teaching history is nothing new for Mr. Hughes. Many of his work period students describe Mr. Hughes’ daily enthusiasm, enlightening them with the national holiday for each day. Along with his academic involvement, Mr. Hughes is a key part of the cross-country team. As an assistant coach, “he is very dedicated to making sure we are running to the best of our abilities,” says team member junior Julia Reese.
Also coming from St. Mark’s, Mr. Conor Corsini joined the math department, teaching a wide range of Archmere students. Whether he’s teaching AP Statistics, Honors, or CP Algebra 1, he reaches out to a variety of our student body. Although he ended up focusing on math, Mr. Corsini explains how his dream job growing up was originally to be an NBA player. Unfortunately, his dreams were cut short by the end of his growth in his freshman year. Like Mrs. Duke, Mr. Corsini’s first job was also nothing short of hectic! Working in a Best Buy as a cashier, he recalls his first ever shift occurring on Black Friday when he was tasked with working a 14-hour shift (with breaks).
Along with the new teachers joining Archmere’s community, there is also a new face in the main office. Mrs. LIndsay Wheeler, parent of Grady Wheeler ‘27, joins Mrs. Finger in the front office in place of the beloved Mrs. Carney who retired this summer.
