Meet Stockdale’s Madame Dalton
She's ispiring students, cultivating culture, and bringing France to Stockdale.
Christina at the dinner following the awards ceremony
Being more than just a teacher means many things: being a friend, a mentor, and a constant ally. All these attributes can be found in Christina Dalton, or as her students call her: Madame Dalton. The 2024 California Language Teacher of the Year, Central California World Language Project Regional Coordinator for Bakersfield is adored by her students. My name is Maxwell Erfanian, and as one of her students, I was thrilled to interview her for this story.
ME: So, Madame Dalton, how long have you been in Bakersfield?
CD: I came to Bakersfield in my freshman year of high school and attended Highland High School.
ME: What do you enjoy about Stockdale?
CD: I love the students at Stockdale; they’re so fun and enthusiastic. They love to get involved in so many different things. The staff and environment too–I always look forward to coming to work and having a good time with my colleagues and students.
ME: So where did you get a liking for French?
CD: I would listen to old records on how to speak French from when family members had gone to visit. Hearing them speak the language, I thought it sounded so beautiful. My family told me if I learned how to speak, they would take me to France, though they never did.
ME: How was your experience studying in France?
CD: It was great! I’m always trying to find opportunities to go back, even just to visit. I learned a lot about the language, the culture and the people. You wouldn’t think so, but the culture is pretty different. It really helped me learn about what it means to be an American, especially when you aren’t in America.
ME: What is the French culture at Stockdale like (e.g. French Classes and the French Club)?
CD: Well, it’s good here. I love being in charge of the French club here and watching the kids immerse themselves in the culture. This year we will be going to visit the South of France in the spring, and we are all super excited about it. We’re hoping to make these trips happen more often!
ME: Finally, what is your favorite French thing to teach about here at Stockdale?
CD: My favorite thing to teach about has to be teaching the students about French culture and seeing the same wonder and excitement about the language in my students that I saw in myself.
Stockdale French Club and French Honor Society. Adam Farouk, a sophomore currently in French 2 and a member of the French Club expresses his fondness for the class. “French has been one of my most enjoyable classes [at Stockdale]. Madame Dalton is an amazing teacher who is really motivated to teach students about French culture and language.”
Madame Dalton’s dedication to her students and her passion for French culture has made her a beloved figure at Stockdale High School. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, inspiring a love for the French language and the cultural connections that come with it. Stockdale's French Club and Honor Society look forward to many more exciting adventures—both in the classroom and abroad—thanks to the guidance of their devoted teacher.