Leadership & Faculty Home / About Us / Leadership & Faculty Dedicated Leaders & Expert Teachers At our school, everyone works together to make sure students and families feel happy and supported. Our leaders, staff, and teachers are all here to help. Our teachers love sharing what they know, whether it’s about reading, music, or outer space! They make learning fun and exciting, helping students explore new things and find what they love. Together, we create a special place where students can grow and learn every day. From the Head of School Latrese Jackson Thank you for your interest in Heritage Oak. We are very proud of our excellent academic programs, exceptional students, and outstanding teachers and staff. Heritage Oak has been a leader in private education in North Orange County for almost 60 years. Heritage Oak appeals to parents who are seeking a school with a proven curriculum; a school which encourages and rewards excellence and success. Our environment is designed to foster the academic, social, and interpersonal skills needed to help our students become leaders. Our philosophy is to develop the whole child. We offer our students a well-rounded education that also includes music, Spanish, French, art, physical education, computer science, and etiquette. Our goal is for our graduates to be knowledgeable about the world and ready to take the lead toward a successful future. Parents appreciate our various communication tools including Personal Learning Plans, an online grade and homework portal, a mobile app, our online photo gallery, and weekly teacher emails. We keep our parents connected to our school and aware of what is happening in the classroom. Our family events such as our Trunk or Treat Event and Welcome Back Family Fun Festival foster a loving, close, family community. This web site contains a variety of materials that will help you better understand our program and our philosophy. We would love for you to come visit Heritage Oak to see our school in action. We can’t wait to meet you! Sincerely, Latrese Jackson Head of School Read More Browse By Role All Roles Faculty Leadership Search Ms. Lucinda Tafolla Second Grade Instructor Ms. Lucinda Tafolla Second Grade Instructor Jennifer Tafolla Middle School Principal Jennifer Tafolla Middle School Principal Email Mrs. Jennifer Tafolla returned to Heritage Oak in 2022 as Middle School Principal. She was a much-loved, and well-respected leader in the Heritage Oak Administration for many years, prior to moving to Nevada in 2015. While at Heritage Oak, she served as the Upper Elementary Director for three years and Instructional Program Specialist for two years. Mrs. Tafolla brings over 20 years of experience in education working as a Teacher, Instructional Coach, Middle School Dean of Students, and Middle School Assistant Principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Masters’ Degrees in Teaching and Educational Leadership, a Professional Teaching K-8 Credential, and a School Administrator K-12 Credential. Additionally, Mrs. Tafolla has trained with the National Institute of School Leadership, Executive Development Program, which provides educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to design and lead high-performing systems by preparing leaders to serve as strategic thinkers, instructional leaders, and creators of a just, fair, and caring culture. Mrs. Tafolla and her husband are excited be back in their home state of CA with their rescue cat, Milano and two dogs, Stella and Sterling. Mrs. Ureno Beginning Preschool Instructor Mrs. Ureno Beginning Preschool Instructor Miss Van Es Junior Kindergarten Teacher Aide Miss Van Es Junior Kindergarten Teacher Aide Miss Vazquez Junior Kindergarten Instructor Miss Vazquez Junior Kindergarten Instructor Mrs. Yoon Orchestra Director Mrs. Yoon Orchestra Director Mrs. Zevotek Full-time Substitute/Smart Start Instructor Mrs. Zevotek Full-time Substitute/Smart Start Instructor Page 6 of 6 Jump to Page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Frequently Asked Questions What qualifications do teachers at Heritage Oak hold? Our faculty is comprised of dedicated professionals who meet rigorous standards at every level. Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers hold specialized certifications focused on the unique developmental needs of our youngest learners. At the elementary and middle school levels, all teachers hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and are state-certified and licensed. Additionally, many of our educators possess advanced degrees, such as Master’s degrees in curriculum development or subject-specific instruction, ensuring high-level expertise across all disciplines. How does Heritage Oak invest in its teachers’ ongoing growth? We view our teachers as lifelong learners and invest in their evolution through a highly personalized professional development program. Beyond standard training, we work with each educator to tailor growth opportunities that align with their specific goals and keep them at the forefront of modern pedagogy. To further support their mastery, we provide educational assistance for those pursuing advanced degrees or continued professional studies, ensuring our faculty remains as academically ambitious as our students. Do you have long-standing faculty and staff at Heritage Oak? We are proud of our exceptionally high faculty retention, with nearly 50% of our elementary and middle school teachers serving our community for 10 years or more. This longevity ensures a deep institutional wisdom and a consistent, supportive environment where teachers form long-term, meaningful bonds with Heritage Oak families. What makes teachers at Heritage Oak exceptional? Our teachers are defined by a rare combination of academic passion and genuine kindness. They are exceptional not only for their subject-matter expertise but for their ability to create nurturing classrooms where every child feels known and valued. By balancing rigorous academic expectations with a commitment to character development, they empower students to reach their full potential in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.
