For the 2025-2026 school year, Archmere Academy is welcoming back Madame Mar Tonn ‘21 in the World Language and Culture Department as the newest French teacher!
Madame Tonn graduated from Archmere Academy in 2021, then attended Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania with a major in French Secondary Education. Madame Tonn said that they have always wanted to be a teacher since they were little. They studied abroad in France and got a second degree, which influenced their career decision. Madame Tonn said, “It was a really good experience to be immersed in a different culture and learn everything… I also got to travel a lot, everywhere. I’ve been to 17 countries and 3 continents.”
Madame Tonn has a long history at Archmere. In fact, they are a third generation student and teacher, as their grandfather and uncle both taught here previously. Their high school experience was a very memorable one. Madame Tonn said, “Some of the best parts of when I was here was just hanging out with my friends after school.”
Madame Tonn loved their French, Senior English, and Faith and Religion classes. Madame Thiel was their French teacher for 3 years, and they said that being offered an opportunity by Madame Thiel to become a teacher was surprising. Madame Tonn said, “It was pretty cool to get a text from her inviting me back to come be a part of the community.” They really love the community that surrounds Archmere, the welcoming energy from teachers and students, and the overall positivity here is great.
When asked about their experience after returning to Archmere, Madame Tonn states, “I love it. It’s a bit difficult getting into the groove of being a teacher and not a student.”
They think it is funny to be working with people who taught back when they were a student. Madame said, “A lot of my old teachers are now my co-workers and to call them by their first name is really weird.” Madam Tonn believes that being so close in age to the seniors is a good thing because they can relate to them more and bond over certain things that other teachers might not be able to.
Madame Tonn is also the assistant director of drama of the new upcoming play and musical. When we asked about what they are most looking forward to, they described how they’re really excited to be back in the theatre and they are excited for the “singing, dancing, and developing characters with the actors.”
Madame Tonn also has a sister at Archmere, Gretchen Tonn ‘26. Madame Tonn talks about how they like the fact that they can have a sibling connection through school that most kids don’t get to have since they are working there. Madame said, “We both run in different circles… The only thing that is a little weird is that everyone else calls me Madame Tonn and her friends call me by my first name, but it’s fun.”
Ultimately, Madame Tonn’s advice for students is “Don’t be afraid to make big choices.” continued, stating,“It is very important to be big, people would much rather tell you to bring it down rather than have to bring it up, be yourself, be big… show us you can be a funny big character, but also show that you can be serious.” Madame Tonn wants everyone to know that everyone is welcome in their room to decompress or even just say hi.
