Mr. Latta has served as a Special Education teacher for three years at Tulsa Public Schools, where he worked with over fifty families to develop individualized plans for children diagnosed with academic and physical disabilities. During his time at TPS, he learned how invaluable communication and honesty are between schools and families to work toward the common goal of students’ success. Discovering Tulsa Classical Academy at the end of last school year, Mr. Latta was impressed with the school’s vision and culture, and applied to be the Director of Student Services to help develop a program that will allow students with disabilities to access Hillsdale’s classical curriculum. He believes that TCA is a school where all students, no matter their disadvantages or academic level, can learn and be formed into their unique good, true, and beautiful selves.

He and his wife married in 2016 while in graduate studies, during which time they discovered their shared heart for those living with mental illness. As a survivor of depression, Mr. Latta has a deep understanding of what it is like living at one’s lowest point, and embodies that empathy and compassion with every student he encounters. Outside of work, he and his wife attend and volunteer at a local support group for those living with depression. They are also proud parents of two Holland Lop twins, Luke and Leia.

A quote he recently discovered in Plato’s The Republic encapsulates his mission to support those struggling in school: “You can’t expect someone to have much love for learning, if they do so with pain and difficulty and little success.” A respected colleague and mentor once offered this statement following a successful amendment meeting which, upon memory, carries him forward: “This is a wonderful example of how professional educators can come together and collaborate with families for the benefit of students. Helping parents and schools communicate help improve outcomes for children.”

Favorite Classical Text: Odysseia