Faculty
Stratford Preparatory places a high mandate on supporting our students’ visions of their future goals with confidence, care, excellence, and respect. Our teachers and staff are guided by our continuous improvement plan and united in their commitment to Our Purpose, Promise, and Principles.
Ms. Shahad Al Bayati, a cornerstone of our math department who brings a unique, “real-world first” perspective to Stratford Prep.
With 8 years of teaching experience and 6 of those right here at Stratford! Shahad doesn’t just teach math; she builds mathematical thinkers. Before entering education, Shahad spent 3 years as a Civil Engineer, a role she continues to lean into today as she runs a renovation and remodeling company with her husband.
Why her students thrive: Shahad’s Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Geometry classrooms are defined by rigor and structure. Drawing from her Master’s research in STEM-based instructional models, she moves students away from rote memorization and toward true conceptual mastery.
“I want students to really understand what they’re doing, not just follow steps. I push them to think through solutions instead of just giving them answers. That’s how they build real confidence.”
Beyond the Classroom:
Degree(s): B.S., Civil Engineering, Al Ahliyya Amman University
M.Ed., University of Denver (In Progress)
Camdyn is a 7th Grade History Teacher and a driving force in our athletics program, coaching Middle School volleyball (boys and girls) and leading our High School JV Girls team. Though this is her first year at Stratford, she brings a wealth of competitive experience and a heart for leadership to our campus.
Academic & Athletic Excellence
Camdyn’s background is a unique blend of social insight and high-level performance. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of the Pacific and a Master’s in Ethics and Organizational Behavior from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Her leadership skills were forged on the court, where she served as a college team captain for three years. Most recently, her dedication to the sport was recognized nationally as she was named an AVCA All-American in 2025.
Coaching with Heart
With four years of coaching experience, Camdyn understands that the lessons learned in the gym are just as vital as those in the classroom. Whether she is analyzing historical movements or perfecting a serve, her focus remains on building character and community.
The Stratford Experience
Reflecting on her first year with us, Camdyn shares:
“The support system here has been great! Coaching and teaching have their similarities and differences, but everyone has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the transition.”
Please join us in giving Camdyn a warm welcome! We are so lucky to have her expertise and energy inspiring our students every day.
Degree(s): B.A., Sociology, University of Pacific
M.S., Ethics and Organizational Behavior, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Degree(s): M.A., Music, California State University, East Bay
B.A., Music, College of Saint Petersburg Conservatory
Single Subject Math and Music Credential, San Diego State
Degree(s): B.A., Fitness Management, Wartburg College
Ms. Marcela Betancur is a cornerstone of our World Languages department who brings 15 years of global teaching expertise to our Middle and High School Spanish programs!
From her early career teaching ESL in Colombia to her nearly 5 years here at Stratford, Marcela has been a champion of immersive, student-centered language learning.
A Leader in Innovative Instruction
Marcela’s classroom is a hub of creativity. She is a firm believer in student autonomy and has spent her career refining instructional strategies that empower students to take charge of their own skill development.
Her expertise isn’t just for the students, Marcela is a leader among her peers. Throughout her career, she has:
Connection is Key
For Marcela, teaching Spanish is about more than just vocabulary; it’s about connection.
“One of my main goals is to ensure students connect with the language so they can successfully apply what they’ve learned in the real world.”
Whether she is teaching 8th graders or leading Spanish 2 for our freshmen, Marcela’s passion for culture and communication shines through every lesson.
Thank you, Marcela, for your 5 years of dedication to the Stratford community and for inspiring our students to become confident global citizens!
Degree(s): B.A., Product Design, Ravensbourne University London
Certificate, Pedagogy
Degree(s): B.S., Computer Science, University of San Francisco
Degree(s): B.A., Sociology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Hui-Hung is a powerhouse educator with 18 years of experience in Health Science, including 3 years here at Stratford Prep. She brings a wealth of expertise to our students, holding a CTE Teaching Credential in Health Science and Medical Technology.
Key Highlights & Accomplishments:
“During my time at Stratford, I have truly valued the opportunity to teach and inspire students in Healthcare Science. Leading the SPB HOSA chapter has been especially meaningful, as I have watched our students gain confidence, compete successfully at state and international conferences, and develop skills that prepare them for their futures. My experience at Stratford has been both rewarding and memorable.”
Degree(s): M.Ed., Health Promotion and Health Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University
B.Ed., Health Science, National Taiwan Normal University
California Single Subject Teaching Credential-Health Science Education (University of California San Diego)
California Career Technical Education Teaching Credential- Health Science and Medical Technology
Dean Cooper, a dynamic force in our High School English Department! Dean’s journey with us reflects his versatility and passion for student growth.
From Corporate Classrooms to Game Journalism
Dean’s career began in the South Bay, teaching EFL to employees at tech giants like Google and Yahoo. Before joining SPB, he taught across various grade levels at several middle schools.
Beyond the classroom, Dean is an accomplished freelance writer specializing in the video game industry. His award-winning work, published in outlets like Unwinnable Magazine, explores the intersection of art, humanity, and corporate culture. Titles like “The Joy of Jank” and “The Evolution of Edutainment” showcase the unique perspective he brings to our literary discussions!
“Big Cooper is Watching”: Innovation in AP English
Dean is known for creating immersive learning experiences. His AP Language students recently concluded a unit on Social Contracts and Oppression by living it. After studying Rousseau, Orwell, and Foucault, students entered a “quasi-totalitarian regime” complete with insignias, secret roles (Spy, Civilian, Dissident), and posters reminding them that “Big Cooper is Watching.” It’s this kind of creative rigor that makes his Honors and AP classes so impactful.
Leadership & Mentorship
Dean has worn many hats at Stratford, previously teaching Graphic Design and Game Design and advising the Robotics and Girls Technovation clubs. Today, he continues to foster student community as the advisor for:
In His Own Words:
“My greatest accomplishment has been seeing the impact I have had on the growth and development of my students. To see them go from middle schoolers to well-rounded seniors heading off to college is my greatest joy. Working at Stratford has been the best experience of my professional career.”
Degree(s): B.A., Philosophy, San Jose State University
B.A., Film, Television and Digital Media, Cleveland State University
TEFL Certification, St. Giles University
Degree(s): M.A., New Testament, Freed Hardeman University
M.Div., Harding School of Theology
D.Min., Fuller Theological Seminary
B.A., Bible, Freed Hardeman University
Degree(s): B.A., English Literature, Clayton State University
Kirk’s journey to the classroom is anything but traditional. With a BFA in Film & Television from NYU and a Cambridge CELTA certification, Kirk spent over 12 years teaching English in South Korea. Immersed in a culture that deeply values education, he developed a “beyond the lecture” approach, creating engaging, student-centered lessons that bridge language gaps and spark genuine curiosity.
A Global Perspective on Learning
Kirk isn’t just a teacher; he’s a lifelong learner. Having studied in Mexico and South Korea, he is fluent in Korean and highly proficient in Spanish.
“I often draw on my own time as a language-learner to design more effective activities. I want to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and asking for help.”
More Than Just the Classroom
Kirk is a familiar face across campus, whether he’s:
Full Circle Moments
This year holds a special place for Kirk as he watches our 8th graders prepare for graduation, many of whom were in his very first 6th-grade class at Stratford. For Kirk, the greatest joy is seeing those former students on campus and believing they found their voice in his classroom.
Please join us in celebrating Kirk Diaz for his dedication, his global expertise, and the heart he pours into the Stratford Prep community!
Degree(s): B.F.A., Film, New York University