La vie de Madame Tovar

Meeting Sanger High’s French teacher

By Anysa Chanthavong

Reporter

Angelique Tovar, also known as Madame Tovar around Sanger, has been teaching at Sanger High School for 14 years. She currently teaches French and Academic Decathlon and is very well respected by her students.

“She is very understanding and easy to get along with. She really takes the time to build a relationship with her students, she doesn’t just teach,” said Junior Ashley Huelitl.

But French and Academic Decathlon aren't the only subjects Tovar has had experience with. Throughout the years she has also taught US History, World History and Academic Language Development.

“During my time at Sanger High I have taught many classes: French 1, French 2, French 3, World History, US History, Academic Decathlon, ALD (Academic Language Development). I am also the advisor for the Academic Decathlon club and help with many French club events as well,” said Tovar.

Not only is Tovar a fantastic instructor, she is also a very honorable person. Students who have had Tovar know her to be very thoughtful and considerate in the classroom.

“If I were to describe Madame I would say that she is trustworthy, considerate, and thoughtful,” said Huelitl.

The atmosphere of Tovar’s classroom is what keeps students eager to return everyday. Stepping into the classroom is like entering a haven of positivity. Students feel safe and positive vibes when they’re in class.

“I guess if I can say one would be the atmosphere, it makes you want to come to school every day just to go to that one class,” said Junior Cesar Melendez.

Tovar enjoys a lot of things about her job, but the one thing she loves most is interacting with her students. She takes pride in helping students who are struggling in the classroom, as well as helping students succeed in public speaking and graduating.

“The students hands down, they are the best part of this job. Helping a struggling student understand something for the first time or allowing a shy student to excel in public speaking or helping a student graduate and go on to do so many great things in life,” said Tovar.

Outside of teaching, Tovar has many hobbies such as reading books(specifically fiction and nonfiction), swimming and spending time with her two children.

“I like reading books(Fiction, Non Fiction, all kinds), swimming, and playing with my two amazing children Zelda and Nayeli,” said Tovar.

Tovar also enjoys watching movies. Her favorite genres are historical fiction movies(like Titanic), action movies(like Marvel and Star Trek films) and French films.

“I really enjoy many historical fiction movies. I must have seen Titanic five times at the theatre. I also enjoy a good Marvel or Star Trek film. French movies are hit or miss depending on the ending,” said Tovar.

As far as music goes, Tovar is open to anything except for explicit rap and country music. She has a very diverse musical palette that ranges from alternative rock to French rap.

“I love all types of music except some of the more explicit rap and country music usually drives me nuts. Otherwise I love French music of all kinds (rap to Edith Piaf) Spanish dance music and in English I tend towards soft rock and alternative music,” said Tovar.

It’s clear that Tovar has a strong fixation to French culture. In fact, she has visited France multiple times, with one of her favorite cities being Dunkerque(her mothers hometown). One of her favorite things to do there is sit at the beach and watch the sunset.

“My favorite place [in France] is my mother's hometown of Dunkerque (Dunkirk) . I love sitting on the beach there and watching the sunset. It was such an important part of history but it is also such a beautifully calm beach filled with nice family memories for me. I would love to live there one day,” said Tovar.

Tovar hopes to one day live in France. The French lifestyle is very relaxed compared to the United States. The transportation in France is also much smoother due to a majority of people using public transportation rather than driving individual cars.

“Life is just calmer, it doesn't hurt that I usually don't have an international cell plan either so I am disconnecting while there in a lot of ways. I also appreciate the ease of getting around. Public transportation is so easy everywhere you really don't need a car if travelling alone,” said Tovar.

Tovar adores the French experience. Though she was born in Visalia, she feels a strong connection to France and loves celebrating its culture.

“I was born here in Visalia many of my students are disappointed when they discover I wasn't born in France, but my mother was. I love celebrating all cultures and languages because that is what makes this world an awesome place to live in,” said Tovar.