preschool teacher

elementary school teacher

school teacher

office administrator

substitute teacher

Stratford School

My principal is great and overly supportive. She will back you up to parents as long as you have a good reason for something. My coworkers are like family. We all get along and most of us hang out outside of work. We were well-prepared to go online when the pandemic forced everyone to stay home because they had started prepping for it a couple of months ahead of time, so the transition was relatively smooth. The overall company needs improvement. Last year ('20-'21) some of us were completely online and the rest were hybrid. I was online, and it was a hard and testing year. We were constantly told to be hyper aware of students' feelings, stress, and workload while being told to practice self-care. Yet, the company took up our precious time with weekly department meetings that were exhausting and a waste of time, and they kept throwing us more work on top of everything else. They took away our raises so that they could afford to keep on lower elementary teachers, which I understood and support, but then this school year we didn't get a pay raise that matched what it should have been. After such a hard year last year that made me decide I don't want to teach for much longer, the company did not make us as teachers feel appreciated. They took away our PTO this year and gave us a week worth of sick days that are use-it-or-lose-it. Because of that, we have teachers calling out "sick" every week, and other teachers are often forced to step up and sub for them during their prep periods. In the sick-time policy, it doesn't specify being able to use it for a mental-health day, which I found awful considering the year we had last year and the company's constant reminder of practicing self-care. The only reason I am still here is because of my wonderful boss and coworkers that make work fun. 

I wouldn't recommend working here. This school has no room for growth and the pay isn't enough for those who are living in the Bay Area. 

The work environment isn't healthy here. The administrators play favorites and doesn't provide equality. I've experienced being around people who gossip about one another behind each other's backs. Those gossipers would give you a fake smile just as easily as they would stab you in the back. It's suppose to be a team environment, but this school is full of rats. They tell on you for the smallest things instead of being a team player and offering to help you. It seems as though they have pride to get you in trouble and enjoy it. There is lack of communication and management skills from above. If by chance you do get something communicated to you, it's always negative feedback. There is zero positive reinforcement no matter how many goals you have accomplished or even took initiative to help with other people's jobs.

I enjoyed the interaction I had with the students and full time Teachers. You can tell that some of the teachers have a passion for working with children and teaching. 

Most of Extended Day Teachers do not have a passion for working with kids and would slack on the job. The school mostly hired people that graduated fresh out of High School with no job experience. Most of Extended Day Staff wouldn't take their job seriously. They would stand around socializing, while kids needed to be supervised. Sometimes you would feel as if you were needing to jump in to do multiple jobs because of that situation and you wouldn't get recognized for taking initiative. 

As an Extended Day Teacher, I was never given any benefits and I'd get at least 3 days of paid vacation a year. I always requested to work more hours, but there is rarely an opportunity for additional hours. Also, the admins always rush you to clock out towards the end of the day, so you don't get to complete your full shift.

Stratford is great in that it's pushing to move with the changing times. The execution is poor and they're not addressing how to change the structure of their program to accommodate their vision of growth. 

As a Preschool/ Pre-K Teacher, this academic year has been especially difficult (2017-2018). We do not have enough support nor teachers. We are told consistently that there are no budgets for substitutes/ floaters, and no extras to come in and support. This may be due the goals to open more campuses. As a result, we are forced to work long hours and lean on each other. Management is extremely unorganized, unresponsive, and unreliable. There is no work-life balance.

On top of that, we are being pushed to incorporate STEAM into our program in addition to the standard Stratford School curriculum, but we don't get any prep time to effectively plan for these lessons. Nap time prep is NOT prep and any teacher can testify to that. We get so little done at that time and now we need to add more to enhance our environment? 

 At one point we had a whole wing with only 1 solid Teacher in each classroom and that is unacceptable. Instead of finding support to help  with the problems, management decides to open more classrooms? Opening a new classroom is not a win if you lack teachers, teachers are unhappy, and overworked. 

They bank on us being committed to our classroom and the children, and they're smart because many of us will stick it out for that very reason. I'm curious who will be returning after this year ends because I will most certainly not. Management really missed the mark this year and they will probably lose a lot of amazing teachers as a result.

When I joined, I was excited and inspired by the vision and quality. Those are no longer my thoughts. It's all about money.

I’ve had the pleasure of working at Stratford School for almost 2 decades. A typical day at work is that everyone is ready to make a difference and work together. 
The culture at Stratford School is rooted in collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. Teachers and staff work together as a team, supporting one another to ensure the best outcomes for students. This sense of community extends to the students and their families, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Leadership plays a vital role in shaping this culture. The Dublin campus leaders are approachable, maintaining an open-door policy that encourages open communication and trust. This level of support, combined with a strong focus on work-life balance, makes it easier to stay motivated and enthusiastic about our roles.
The school also values professional growth, offering ample opportunities for development and career advancement. 
The school also offers competitive benefits, which adds a layer of security and appreciation for the hard work we do. Coupled with a culture of growth, there are numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Whether you want to refine your skills, explore new roles, or take on leadership responsibilities, the school provides a clear path to help you achieve those goals.
The most enjoyable part of the job is working together as a team. 
I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a workplace that values its people as much as its mission.



My time at Stratford has always been stressful. They do not train you on your day to day grey areas of your job. The Stratford home office doesn't even bother to address our needs year after year and I cant even afford to live on my own with wages so low. Most of the Extended Care staff live with their parents because they cant afford to move out. I took this up with my boss and she basically told me that there was nothing she could do to up my pay. And at the same time home office tried to shorten our hours and make us all take two weeks off in the middle of summer "cause they couldn't afford all of us to work". They told us this a week bfeore school ended. This is how they conduct business?! You can charge people thousands of dollars a year but you cant afford to pay eight employees though summer??  I almost did a strike with the staff because I felt nothing was going to change. Instead we all quit. We were tired of just scraping by living pay check to paycheck. 

The teachers and the culture they have has always been great. It' s a wonderful staff. The staff is what gets you through the day. The kids can be great also and that's what I love about the job. Working with kids--when they pair you up appropriately, are great. I love them but Stratford DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU.  I'm glad that I stayed to watch my kids grow up but once they left, I felt like it was my time to go as well.  The Extended Care job is a dead end career wise. Don't stay for more than a year. You'll regret it.

A typical day at work involves following the daily schedule with different time slots for free play, outside play, lunch time, snack time, academics, music , science and Spanish language teaching. 
We have to be aware of our surroundings, children - their personality and habits. We have to be quick thinkers and decision makers. we have to be vigilant and on our toes to keep the students safe and healthy in order to avoid any mishaps and injuries or accidents.
During my almost 11 years in the field , although I am still learning, i am proud to say that my curriculum following and implementing skills have improved a lot. I can make interactive and interesting props. I can do directed art very well, and the students also follow instructions very well and do a very good job at creating art pieces.
I have learned that every child is different and has different needs and ways of learning.
I can say that I can manage the schedule and classroom fairly well, given the right resources and help. I try to finish work on or before time to avoid any hustles.
My work place culture is very friendly and smooth running, everyone is always ready to help and work together to achieve the end goal. Hardest part is to please picky parents. The most enjoyable part is being with like minded people and watch the kids learn and grow everyday.

Working at Stratford School has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience. As a dedicated educator and team member, I have consistently felt valued, supported, and inspired in my role. Stratford fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and personal growth.
From Day one, I was welcomed into a community that prioritizes strong relationships with students, families, and staff alike. Colleagues are collaborative and encouraging, and school leaders are approachable and genuinely invested in employee success. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed and supports teachers in delivering high-quality, engaging instruction. Educators are trusted to be creative and responsive to their students’ needs while having a strong academic framework to guide them. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed and supports teachers in delivering high-quality, engaging instruction. Educators are trusted to be creative and responsive to their students’ needs while having a strong academic framework to guide them. Stratford School provides opportunity to build lasting relationships with students and families, and to contribute meaningfully to the broader school community. I feel both empowered and appreciated in my role.
Overall, Stratford School is a place where educators can thrive—both professionally and personally. It’s a supportive, forward-thinking, and student-centered organization that I’m proud to be a part of.

A typical day at work is engaging and productive, with a mix of structured tasks and dynamic interactions with students and parents. I enjoy the balance between planning lessons, assisting students in their learning journey, and collaborating with my colleagues.

During my time here, I have developed valuable skills, such as effective communication with parents, setting achievable goals for students, and improving my time management. These skills have not only helped me become a better professional but also enhanced the learning experience for students.

The management team is supportive and open to feedback, providing guidance when needed. They encourage professional development and ensure that employees feel valued.

The workplace culture is positive and inclusive. My colleagues are friendly and always willing to help, which fosters a strong sense of teamwork. One of the best aspects of working here is the team-building activities that allow us to connect beyond our daily tasks.

The hardest part of the job is handling complex tasks and adapting to changes, but these challenges also provide opportunities to learn and grow.

The most enjoyable part of the job is working with a great team. My colleagues make the workplace enjoyable, and the team-building activities further strengthen our bond.

Overall, I appreciate the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and a positive work environment.

The best and only great thing about working for Stratford Middle School at the Raynor Park Campus is having the opportunity to work with a lot of great students and their parents. Most of the older staff are very kind and during tough times they were always there to lend an ear. 

Someone in the office plays favorites. If she doesn’t like you, she will bully you and she will have her watch dogs try to find any little thing you may do wrong to get you in trouble for it. While that is taking place, you’ll have her favorites goofing around, breaking rules and even doing the same things you got punished for. Three of my co workers left because they were being mistreated and I’m about to do the same because enough is enough. 

Another thing I want to mention is how they over work you and have you doing mundane tasks. People are forced to walk other people’s dogs, scrubbing clean lockers, cleaning filthy bathrooms without sanitary precautions all while your team lead/supervisor are on their phones or being caught in the office gossiping negatively about their staff. 

I know someone mentioned getting free lunches in the review, but that’s not entirely true. If you’re lucky you can get kid’s left over choice lunch

If you’re looking for a first time job and are having a rough time finding a job, this place can give great work experience until you find a better one.

I’ve been with Stratford for 7 years, and it’s been a fulfilling experience. From the start, I felt welcomed and valued. The work atmosphere is positive, collaborative, and supportive, creating an environment where teamwork and motivation thrive.

What I appreciate most about Stratford is its focus on professional growth. The organization offers valuable resources, training, and support, allowing me to build my skills and advance my career. The well-structured curriculum enables educators to provide high-quality learning experiences for students.

The heart of Stratford’s success is its people—students, families, and staff. There’s a strong sense of community, and building lasting relationships with students and their families has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. The support from leadership and peers makes a real difference in day-to-day work.

The leadership team is approachable, genuinely invested in employee success, and fosters a culture of growth and innovation. My director, in particular, is an exceptional leader—she communicates clearly, leads by example, and creates a culture of trust and respect.

Overall, Stratford is a company that supports, empowers, and inspires its people. I’m proud to be part of this team and excited for what’s ahead.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Preschool teacher 405 salaries reported	$27.21 per hour
Elementary school teacher 158 salaries reported	$62,777 per year
School teacher 196 salaries reported	$21.94 per hour
Office administrator 41 salaries reported	$28.94 per hour
Substitute teacher 24 salaries reported	$24.91 per hour

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