ESPING HAS MMS FOCUSES ON CULTURE, CONNECTION & STUDENT SUCCESS

By Staff

Inge Esping - Principal, McPherson Middle School

         The 2026/27 school year will be the fourth for Inge Esping serving as Principal of McPherson Middle School. A journey that has come full circle, as it is where she began her career in education as a student teacher two decades ago.

         “This is actually where I student taught with Beth Klassen,” explained Esping as she shared how meaningful it is to now lead the same school where her career began. Her career included roles as a teacher, assistant principal, activities director, and Assistant Director of Education for the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative.

         Her responsibilities as the principal span nearly every part of the school’s operations. She oversees daily functions, student learning, staff development, school culture, behavior, attendance, special education, scheduling, safety, and family engagement.

         Sounds like a lot, though Esping believes the heart of the job is much simpler: “The most important part of my job is making sure that all of those pieces ultimately serve the kids, with my goal being to ensure every student feels connected, supported, challenged, and proud to be a Bullpup.”

         When asked her favorite part of the work, she quickly answers, ‘the people inside the building’. She enjoys getting to know the students and staff while being present during the pivotal middle-school years. Her joy comes from everyday moments – students laughing with friends, learning something new, or stopping to say hello. Esping also appreciates events that bring the school community together, from concerts and athletic contests to celebrations that may not make headlines but matter deeply to students.

         Does she find anything difficult with the job? Yes, it is recognizing that not every problem can be solved within the school walls. Students arrive with different experiences and challenges, and some issues extend beyond what educators can fix. Leadership also brings tough decisions, especially when balancing competing needs.

         Esping pointed out that, “There are times when what is best for one student may create challenges for another and that long-term improvements sometimes require short-term discomfort.”

         Originally from Medicine Lodge, Esping has been part of the McPherson Community since 2004, with the exception of a couple of years working in Maize. She graduated from Bethany College and began her career as a special education teacher at McPherson Middle School. Her experiences in special education, classroom teaching, and administration shape her the way she leads today. Currently, Esping is pursuing her doctorate, believing that strong leaders must continue to learn.

         As for any accomplishments she has found since taking the helm of MMS. Esping is proud of the continued focus on school culture and belonging, noting that McPherson Middle School has been named a ‘Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School’ for six consecutive years.  Highlighting the school’s move to a cell-phone-free environment and a return to classroom Chromebook carts rather than the 1:1 devices, Esping said those changes have led to decreases in suspensions and chronic absenteeism, along with improvements in student engagement and performance.

         Esping also credits the staff for strengthening systems around attendance, behavior, academic intervention, and student support.

         “Any success at MMS is a reflection of a team of educators who care deeply about our kids.”

         Looking ahead, Esping hopes to continue building a strong sense of belonging, so every student has an adult who knows them well. Attendance remains a major focus, along with improving early intervention for students who struggle academically or behaviorally. She also aims to keep technology purposeful rather than automatic, ensuring it enhances learning rather than distracts from it. Ultimately, Esping wants McPherson Middle School to be a place where students feel known, staff feels supported, families feel welcomed, and the community feels proud.

         In finishing up our question and answer time, Esping added, “Leadership is about relationships. People are much more willing to work hard, take risks, and grow when they know they are valued and that someone has their back.”

         She continued by referencing how her effectiveness comes from listening, learning, and making decisions centered on the students. She believes middle schoolers are often underestimated as they navigate their identities, values, and sense of belonging. Her perspective is also shaped by her own children attending McPherson Middle School during her tenure. Experiencing the school as both an educator and parent has deepened her appreciation for the staff and the impact they have on students.

         Esping remains proud of the work happening at her school and even more proud of the people doing it, emphasizing that her role is to create conditions in which teachers can thrive and students can succeed!!