The AlumNow series showcases former students’ post-graduation successes.
We recently caught up with Joseph Pouncey who is the new principal at Skyline High School. Read about his educational journey at Dallas ISD and how his teachers impacted him to give back to his community.
What high school did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?
Skyline High School in 1996.
What are your responsibilities as a high school principal?
All things instructional, cultural, and community for Skyline High School. It’s a job where you are tending to the flock in a lot of different ways and the flock are your adults, your students, your alumni. You’re leading from the front in some cases, but knowing when to lead from the front and then also releasing and empowering the team, that’s the takeaway. If you’re not with the people, if you’re not in the trenches, if you’re not doing the work, then you can’t expect the results. The tutelage that I try to give to my new administrative team is that you’ve got to be willing to get your hands dirty. Nothing is more important than getting kids where they need to be.
What are some career or personal highlights/accomplishments?
I’ve been a teacher and coach for a number of years and in a number of districts. I have been a middle school principal, high school assistant principal, assistant director, and high school principal over my career. I’m a two-time teacher in Dallas ISD at Bryan Adams High School and I’ve been a long-time coach. I felt like I looked everywhere for a job and a mentor called me from Forney ISD. Before I knew it, I was chasing kids and doing locker and bus duty. I went on to be an assistant principal and a principal at Forney ISD. There was an opportunity at Skyline in 2017 as an assistant principal.
What made your Dallas ISD education unique?
Diversity is the first word that comes to mind when I think of my education at Dallas ISD. Each of my experiences in elementary, middle, and high school included all races and backgrounds, which proved to be very helpful in my professional life. Diversity and equity are key tenets of my experiences with Dallas ISD.
Who was your favorite Dallas ISD teacher or what was your favorite course?
Other than my mom, who is still an administrator (semi-retired) with Dallas ISD, my other influences included coaches such as Coach JD Mayo and Coach Robbie Birdwell. Even now I get to work with one of my middle school coaches who is on staff with me, Coach Danny Barentien.
What advice, if any, would you offer to students who are interested in your career field?
Be humble, and hungry. Never forget that people are human. Critical thinking is what sets those who know from those who know not. And never forget where you come from.
