Norman Leonard has always been an inspiration to the rest of us colleagues in the profession of language teaching. Some decades ago when my career in San Diego City Schools was just taking root, Norman asked me to step in for a board member who was abroad for a year. Then, as I was just beginning to establish myself in the field, he said it was time for me to take a more permanent leadership role in the FLCSD. Not really knowing what I was getting myself into and not that sure of myself as a professional, I took his advice and have never looked back.

Norman always set a high standard, modeling for the rest of us the giving and generous stance necessary to succeed in professional development here in San Diego. He hosted board meetings in his classroom or in his home. He led as chairperson any number of efforts. In fact we were held together by his positive attitude, thoughtful statements and well-organized follow-through. I can hardly imagine FLCSD without Norman as the chair. We are however fortunate enough to have others in the newer generation who have been inspired to step forward and lead, thanks in part to Norman's example. Our hats are off to Norman. J. Stout

Cristeta Dumaran, Ed.D  has been in the service of education for almost half a century.  She has served as an administrator, university professor, lecturer, professional development trainer, writer and most of all a classroom teacher, the position she enjoys the most.

Christie,  as most of her friends call her, is a dedicated teacher of ELD and Filipino for the last 20 years at Sweetwater High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District. In countless voluntary hours, she has led the teachers of Filipino to write the ‘Standards-based Curriculum Map and Timeline’ for all levels of  Filipino classes.

Christie is the first President of The Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture.

Learn more about Johannes Brüstle