Oxford welcomes three new faces for the 2025-26 school year: CFT and 7th grade Entrepreneurship teacher Ms. Esparza, AP Lang and English 1 teacher Mrs. Heck, and Math 7 and 8 teacher Ms. Doherty. Learn more about these Patriots and how they plan to bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to our campus!
Mrs. Esparza, Room 407
Mrs. Esparza enriches her students’ entrepreneurship and financial literacy journey by preparing them with skills needed to navigate the world around them. Initially dreaming of being a fashion designer, she realized her calling for teaching while working in retail.
Entrepreneurship is an ever changing field, especially with the increase in AI usage and advancements in technology, but Ms. Esparza is determined to face these changes head on.
“Don’t be afraid of change. I see people freak out when things change but you have to go with the flow and adapt,” Esparza said.
She plans on continuing the 7th grade Business Expo for her students, giving them tangible business-building and communication skills and continuing the tradition of bringing their ideas to life.
Mrs. Heck, Room 909
Previously teaching 7-12th grades at Loara High School and Lexington Jr. High, Mrs. Heck brings a wide range of experience to Oxford. She is now teaching English 1H and spending her first year teaching AP Lang in her pursuit of her growth as a professional.
“Just doing different things like teaching ASB, Drama, Journalism, Speech and Debate, it got me out of my comfort zone and that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to work here,” Heck said.
She plans to take online workshops and AP training in the summer to enhance her skills and has been working with Mr. Hodges and Mrs. Galvan to prepare her AP Lang students. When students walk out of her classroom, she wants them to know they have a voice to discuss literature freely amongst peers.
“I like making learning fun for kids too,” Heck said. “School isn’t just all about the academics, there’s a lot to learn about societal issues too.”
Ms. Doherty, Room 502
While growing up, math was not Ms. Doherty’s strongest subject. However, with the help of supportive teachers throughout her schooling years, she’s now taken on the role herself as a math teacher. In her last 18 years at Brookhurst Jr. High, Walker Jr. High, Sowers Middle School, and now at Oxford, she emulates the role models she had as a student.
For students who don’t think math is their strong suit, Ms. Doherty creates a welcoming and comfortable classroom environment. Whether it is learning about their personalities or getting-to-know-you activities, she ensures they all feel included. Making mistakes helps students learn, she says.
“I hope my students become lifelong investigative learners. Like, there’s a 100% increase in the flu: what does that mean? I want them to look at things people are sharing because people throw out math numbers because they assume we wouldn’t understand,” Doherty said.
Make sure to give these teachers a wave if you pass them on campus! Have a great year teaching, Patriots!
