Administration
I was overjoyed to join RJW Elementary in 2016 in the role as Principal. I have been in education since 1997. I taught kindergarten and served as a Reading Recovery Teacher and Literacy Specialist in Alvin ISD for 9 years. I started my administrative career in 2006. I served as a testing coordinator at Hitchcock High School for one year and then moved to Pearland ISD where I was an assistant principal for 3 years and the principal for 6 years at Lawhon Elementary.
I have lived in Santa Fe since the age of four and feel privileged to be a principal in my hometown. My husband and I both grew up in Santa Fe and our children have gone through the school district as well. I am passionate about ensuring a quality education for every child. I also strive to create a campus culture where each staff member treats every student at RJW the way they would want their child or loved one to be treated.
When I am not at school, I enjoy reading a good book, being outside soaking up the sun and spending time with my family.
I strive to always have an open door and I welcome feedback that will improve our school. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My email is michelle.pourchot@sfisd.org. I will typically reply to emails and calls within 24 hours.
I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at R.J. Wollam Elementary as I begin my 16th year in elementary education at Santa Fe ISD. I recognize how important student achievement is in the early years and I am committed to ensuring that each student has a rigorous, engaging and memorable experience at R. J. Wollam.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Le Moyne College. However, my education and positive school experiences inspired me to join the teaching profession after earning a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education at SUNY Cortland. After teaching for seven years as a classroom teacher and three years as a GT teacher, I realized my passion for instructional leadership and attended Stephen F. Austin State University’s Principal Preparation Program. I worked closely with teachers and school leaders as an instructional coach for two years before serving the campus as the assistant principal for the last three years.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children. My oldest son graduated from SFISD in May 2023 while my younger son is a sophomore at Santa Fe High School and my daughter is in 7th grade at Santa Fe Junior High. I also love to read and stay active outdoors.