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. Becca Whatley is a master of “edutainment,” blending her deep passion for history with an extensive background in the performing arts. Her unique journey and dedication to our community truly sets her apart:
Educational Foundation: Becca holds a B.A. in Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a background that informs her dynamic approach to education.
Leadership in Action & Service
Becca’s impact extends far beyond her 6th-grade History lessons. She is a champion for student leadership and community service:
History Through a Global Lens
Becca’s ability to weave storytelling and cultural appreciation into the 6th-grade curriculum helps our students see history not just as dates on a page, but as a living, breathing narrative.
“It has been amazing to see how Stratford has grown over the 9 years I have been a part of this school,” Becca shares. We are equally amazed by the energy and heart she brings to our halls every single day!
Degree(s): B.A., Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community, University of California, Santa Barbara
With nearly a decade of experience spanning from elementary education to the collegiate level, Dr. Yang brings an extraordinary level of expertise to our 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade Advanced Chinese programs.
A Scholar and Linguistic Expert
Dr. Yang’s academic background is truly global. She holds a PhD in French – Science of Translation, and her professional history includes a prolific career as a freelance translator and researcher. Her contributions to the field of linguistics include:
Leadership and Mentorship
At Stratford, Dr. Yang’s impact extends far beyond her own classroom. As a New Teacher Mentor, she plays a vital role in our professional community by providing dedicated guidance and coaching to new teachers. Her mentorship ensures that our incoming educators have the support they need to thrive and deliver the high-quality instruction our students deserve.
Excellence in the Classroom
Dr. Yang’s students consistently excel, earning first-place awards in various essay and talent contests. Her teaching philosophy balances rigorous standards with a supportive touch.
Why Stratford?
Dr. Yang was drawn to our school’s willingness to take meaningful risks and its bold vision for opening new academic sectors.
“What stands out most is the culture of support… We maintain high expectations while focusing on what we, as educators, can do to best support individual student needs. There is a strong sense of collaboration that creates a comfortable, encouraging environment where we can grow professionally.”
We are honored to have Dr. Yang’s brilliance and mentorship within our community!
Degree(s): PhD, Science of Translation, University of Limoges
M.A., Pedagogy, Letters, and Francophonie, University of Limoges
B.A., French Literature, and Language, International Studies University
Degree(s): B.A., Design Studies, Minor in Theatre Arts, San Jose State University
AA, Human Development Studies, Ohlone College
Degree(s): Masters Degree, Educational Psychology, Beijing Normal University
Bachelor’s Degree, Applied Psychology, Beijing Normal University
With a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Mathematics Education and over 18 years of teaching experience, Snejana brings an incredible depth of knowledge to our 7th and 8th Grade Algebra 1 students.
From Engineering to the Classroom
Snejana’s journey began in Belarus, where she served as a Software Engineer at the State College of Communications. During her time there, she applied her mathematical precision to the tech world by developing complex accounting software.This technical foundation, combined with her experience as a Professor’s Assistant helping graduate students with their theses, allows her to teach math with a focus on logic and real-world application.
Before joining Stratford Prep four years ago, Snejana spent 14 years at the Russian School of Mathematics, where she mentored new teachers and taught advanced math to middle and high school students.
Building Champions & Confidence
As our Math Club Advisor along with Ms. Alekseyev, Snejana has led our students to incredible heights. Under her mentorship, Stratford students have secured numerous awards in prestigious competitions, including:
Beyond the trophies, Snejana’s true passion is transforming how students see themselves.
“Many of my former students were not very interested in math when I first met them,” Snejana shares. “Now, they love mathematics and are even considering math majors in college.”
Creativity Beyond the Numbers
When she isn’t solving equations, Snejana is a vibrant member of a Russian Children’s Theater group. She plays a key role in producing their annual show and uses her expert sewing skills to create intricate costumes for the performers. Her love for design even led her to serve as an advisor for a high school Fashion Club!
Degree(s): MSc, Mathematics, Belarussian State University
BMath, Belarussian State University