The 2024-25 school year at McPherson High School has introduced multiple new teachers. Among them is the charismatic and down-to-earth Joseph Hirsch, MHS’s new theater director and the most recent addition to the fine arts department.

Hirsch previously taught at Herington High School in Herington KS, where he coached forensics, directed theater, and taught history.

After nine years of teaching and twenty years of theater, a new opportunity opened for Hirsch at MHS. A vacated position in the theater department and previous connections led him to where he is now, this school year.

“The theater department became open. Dr. Herbst was the principal at Little River when I taught over there, and I was actually friends with Mrs. Billings through the opera house theater here,” Hirsch said when asked why MHS was his next step.

The drama department’s Tech Theater program is centered around building all of the beautiful sets and props for local performances. 

MHS Sophomore Achilles Palacios participated in the program last year, and is doing it once again. When asked if Hirsch is a good fit for MHS and its theater he said, “Yeah. I think we needed a teacher like Mr. Hirsch. I feel like there’s not a lot of teachers who are very open with their students. There’s not a lot of teachers so up and giddy. He’s pulling off ideas I would’ve never thought could work, and they end up as amazing sets with lots of pieces.”

Any student of Hirsch’s could attest to the fact that he truly is unique here. He brings vibrance and color to the classroom that is uniquely his and it’s hard to miss.

Like a bedroom, a classroom is a great reflection of a teacher’s mind. Hirsch keeps his classroom homey and friendly, reflecting his beaming personality. “I care about my kids’ comfort more than anything. I like having a comfortable class.” He stated.

Mr. Joseph Hirsch has quickly become a staple in McPherson’s fine arts, and he’s here to stay.