Spring Branch ISD names new Pine Shadows Elementary principal

Joyce Olson has been named as the new principal at Pine Shadows Elementary School. She has 37 years in education including 32 years in Texas and 8 years in Spring Branch ISD. After graduation from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Ill.,

Joyce began her career in education as a teacher in Iron River, Mich. After moving to Texas in 1979, she was employed at Kingwood and Humble high schools as a science teacher and coach. She was science coordinator in Humble ISD from 1992-1996 before returning to Michigan to serve as a principal. Joyce returned to Texas and served as associate principal at Humble High School for six years before joining SBISD in 2005.

In SBISD, she has served as both director of science and as lead interdisciplinary instructional coach for science. Joyce was named interim principal at Pine Shadows Elementary in November 2012. She is known throughout Texas for her knowledge and leadership of in-depth curriculum programming and instruction. Joyce was nominated for the STAT Distinguished Leadership in Science Award. In 1994, Olson earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

“I am delighted about the opportunity and look forward to continuing to serve the Pine Shadows community as principal. My goal is to work with all Pine Shadows stakeholders to insure that our students are successful in school and in life. Our staff is committed to furthering student achievement,” she says.

Pine Shadows Elementary leadership, faculty and staff are committed to working together to assure that every student is well equipped with the academic and life skills to meet the district goal known as Spring Branch T-2-4. This goal calls for all of our students to successfully complete some form of higher education after graduation – a technical certification, two-year degree, or four-year degree.

Outside of school, Joyce enjoys spending time with her family. Her husband, Tom, is a teacher. She is also the proud mother of three adult daughters – Helmi, Sarah and Kristen. Joyce is an avid Texas Longhorn fan and attends many sporting events, especially football. Working out is something that is important to her. She visits the gym as often as her schedule permits.

At Pine Shadows Elementary, Joyce Olson replaces Alexia Greiner, who has accepted another district position.