Thornapple Kellogg — When Rob Pouch began his career in education, he had two goals: to teach and to coach.
“I wanted to mentor and give kids advice,” he said. “On the field or in the classroom, that mentality is always there.”
As the new superintendent of Thornapple Kellogg schools, Pouch is putting his years of teaching, coaching and building leadership to work.
“Being a superintendent was never on my horizon at the beginning,” Pouch said. “Around year five to eight, I started thinking about it and wanted to learn as much about the K-12 structure as I could.”
Before considering a new career opportunity and a move across the state for his family, Pouch did his research.
“When we made the decision to move to West Michigan, we did our due diligence to make sure it’s the right fit with the community, culture and family values,” he said. “I spent the bulk of my career (in districts) with 2,000 to 3,000 kids. This district is in my comfort zone.”
Pouch said no matter his role in a classroom or as an administrator, “Kids have been the highlight of my day and that is my ‘why.’”
Building a Career, Covering All His Bases
After earning his bachelor’s degree in science from Grand Valley State University, Pouch moved from West Michigan where he was raised, to across the state for his first teaching job at Peck Jr/Sr. High School. He said starting his career in a smaller district gave him the opportunity to learn more about public school operations.
He taught social studies for three years, and outside his classroom could be found coaching varsity football in the fall, junior high boys basketball in the winter and varsity boys track in the spring.
Pouch continued teaching social studies and added physical education for one year at Fremont High School, and coached varsity football and track teams for three additional years in that district.
Back on the east side of the state, Pouch served in Linden Community Schools as principal of Linden Elementary from 2013-17 and Linden Middle School from 2017-21. He also found time to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership from his alma mater, Grand Valley State University.
Pouch rounded out his leadership bingo card as superintendent for four years of Morrice Area Schools in Shiawassee County before applying for the position at TK.
He described a successful superintendent as “being a master of multiple leadership styles.”
“It is not one size fits all. Every situation requires a different style. You have to embrace the culture and history of the districts, and balance the business of people. At the end of the day, you’re being collaborative.”
Building collaborative relationships with his staff, Pouch said, has been one of his main priorities in his new role.
“Our staff is top notch. It’s evident we have a dedicated group of professionals that put time into their lessons and systems in place to make our students feel safe and secure.”
Pouch also said that since the start of the school year he has been committed to seeing students every day.
“I try to start and end my day in buildings every day. That’s where you get a first-hand lens into the amazing engagement that is going on.”
When asked what excites him about continuing his career in K-12 education, Pouch said, “I feel like we’re in a culture where we’re starting to step outside the box and (recognize) that learning looks different for all kids.”
He added: “We’re preparing kids for different paths and how our graduates are prepared to enmesh into the community. We’re preparing them for the big grand prize at the end of 12 years.”
Superintendent & Super Dad
While serving students as a mentor in the classroom and on the field, court and track, Pouch married his wife of 13 years, Gabrielle. They are now parents to five kids, ages 12, 10, 7, 4 and almost 1.
“I had my first kid when I thought I would be done having kids. My kids are my absolute world,” he said. “I make time to be a dad and not just a superintendent.”
During the summer, the Pouch family enjoys spending time together at the beach or out on their boat. Come football season, they are cheering on the Detroit Lions and spending time outdoors together, hunting and fishing.
“Our No. 1 hobby (as a family) is spending time together,” he said. “Ultimately, I want to get to a stage of life where I can spend as much time with my family as you can.”
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