Dr. Fred Hudson Christian IV has become a driving force at Stratford High School, transforming how students prepare for life beyond the classroom.
Originally hired as a Life Skills Exceptional Education teacher in 2020, Christian has since taken on multiple roles, including spearheading the expansion of the career-based learning program. In just a short time, having started last year with eight students, Stratford’s career-based learning program has evolved into a dynamic, impactful initiative that equips students with real-world skills, fosters meaningful relationships and builds overall confidence. 
"What students will glean from this experience are important real-world skills that apply to almost any career,” Christian said.
Through his vision and dedication, Christian has turned Stratford’s career-based learning program into a launchpad for student success and a cornerstone of the school’s community.
Career-Based Learning: Preparing Students for the Future
Career-based learning, or work-based learning, bridges the gap between high school and high-demand, high-skill careers. Students participating in the program build upon classroom instruction to develop practical, employable skills while earning a paycheck.
Under Christian’s leadership, the program has expanded to include diverse opportunities such as library support, IT assistance, translation services and life skills mentorship. These roles expose students to potential career paths and help them develop critical soft skills like problem-solving, communication and adaptability — skills essential for long-term post-high school success.
"I think no matter what they gather from this program, whatever those qualities are, they can use this experience in their future careers,” said Christian. “We have students who want to be truck drivers, students who want to be welders, and many who intend to go to a four-year college; we have students who have gotten into Vanderbilt. All of them will benefit from this program."
Central to Christian's work are his high school interns who assist his low-incidence exceptional education students. These interns play a pivotal role in the classroom, helping students transition between classes, organizing materials and supporting them during field trips and community outings. 
One of Christian's favorite memories reflects the heart of the program. During a roller-skating field trip, his interns and Stratford staff went above and beyond to ensure that every student felt included and supported. Interns patiently guided students around the rink, offering their arms and encouragement to create a meaningful and joyful experience.
Christian’s exceptional education students also benefit from the program through its partnership with Warner Elementary. His students work with the Warner Exchange, an incentive store where elementary students who earn “Warner Bucks” from good behavior and attendance can shop. The store is stocked and co-managed by Christian’s students.
Stories of Success
One standout example of success from this program is Lydia Riddle, a 2024 Stratford graduate who transitioned from an intern in the program to a full-time paraprofessional at Stratford immediately following her high school graduation. Riddle’s journey exemplifies how the program creates pathways for students to directly enter the workforce, with this role specifically making a tangible impact on the school community.
Students like Riddle have the opportunity to work in an industry they are interested in, gaining experience, health benefits and a paycheck while earning a degree at their own pace.
“Here at Stratford, we are second to none,” said Christian. “We already have some of this year’s students signed up to sit for the Paraprofessional assessment in May after their end-of-course tests.”
Once Christian’s students pass the assessment, they can transition from student to staff almost immediately, like Riddle.
Looking Ahead
Christian’s commitment to the program and school shows no signs of slowing. As the program expands, he hopes to include new opportunities for students.
Through his many roles at Stratford, Christian embodies the spirit of teaching and education at its best. His work demonstrates the power of relationships and meaningful mentorship and the effect they carry to inspire and motivate students to become hardworking, community-focused individuals.
