Greg Esala, Western Division

MESPA Home > Honors > MESPA Division Leadership Award > 2009 Awards

Greg Esala, principal of New York Mills Elementary, New York Mills

Educational philosophy: “’We care.’ I continue to remind my staff and students that we are a school that cares about others. That is why we do what we do…because we care.”

Esala lists as his three most significant career accomplishments:
“After 9/11 our elementary school created a quilt to bring to a school close to ground zero. The entire school, every student, had a hand in making the quilt and a delegation from the school presented it in New York -- an unbelievable learning experience for us all.”

“We raised $125,000 for a new playground at the school, all done in less than nine months. Great community and parent support!”

“I have been involved/led many additions in curriculum including: early intervention in reading, math intervention, and new math and reading series.”

In nominating Esala, Jerry Hanson (principal, Detroit Lakes) said: “Greg’s professionalism as a principal and an educator is well known in our area. He is a role model for other principals and a “go-to guy” for many of us when we need help!”

Other recognitions: MESPA Western division treasurer for seven years; selected to officiate in the Minnesota State High School League football and baseball tournaments.

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

651.999.7310 MN toll free 800.642.6807

Fax: 651.999.7311 E-mail: mespa@mespa.net