Meet Joshua Poole (j.poole) | Educator, Director, & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Poole (j.poole) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
According to the Oxford American Dictionary, balance is defined as an even distribution of weight that enables someone or something to remain upright and steady. Over time, the concept of balance has evolved. I’ve come to realize that my career and passion for the arts can work in harmony, allowing me to influence others through positivity and motivation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Over the past eight years, teaching has been a transformative experience in my life. I’ve had the privilege of teaching diverse groups, coordinating numerous events, and most importantly, building a culture that promotes academic success. During my senior year at Wiley University, one of my professors suggested I pursue a career in education and connected me with a recruiter from Relay Graduate School of Education. In 2017, I was accepted into the graduate residency program at the Dallas-Fort Worth campus.
At the start of my graduate journey, I faced a significant personal loss, which deeply affected me both mentally and emotionally. This loss caused me to fail a class, delaying my graduation by a year. However, instead of discouraging me, this setback fueled my determination to earn my master’s degree and prove to myself that I had the resilience to overcome any challenge. The program was far from easy, but it taught me the value of endurance, patience, and determination while honing my teaching skills and building strong relationships with my students.
The pandemic in 2020 changed the face of education, leaving many students academically, socially, and mentally behind. Many of our students across the country are now one to four years behind grade level due to the shift to virtual learning. During this time, I worked with several schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, including IDEA Public Schools, Uplift College Preparatory, and International Leadership of Texas, helping to foster academic success, culture, and engagement through a multicultural lens. By doing so, I enabled students to see themselves in successful roles and to believe in their own potential through the performing arts. This creative outlet not only gave them a platform for self-expression but also helped them build confidence and envision themselves achieving success in ways they hadn’t imagined before.

Now, as I transition from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I am facing my biggest challenge yet: working with the Third Future Schools System to help turn around Fair Park in Shreveport, Louisiana. The students here face significant challenges—many come from backgrounds of poverty, experience gun violence or gang involvement, and lack self-awareness and academic motivation. Despite these obstacles, it has become my mission to teach them the “7 Habits of Success” and show them that anything is possible if they commit themselves fully. By focusing on accuracy, action, and perseverance, we are working towards the Third Future Schools vision: to “inspire the transformation of the broader public education system, significantly narrow the achievement gap, and prepare students for the workplace and world of 2035.”
As an educator, I am constantly learning—whether through formal academia or lived experience. However, working in entertainment has broadened my understanding of the importance of building relationships and fostering culture. As a designer, manager, and creative director, I’ve come to realize how vital relationships are to success. The way we communicate, network, and perceive one another directly impacts outcomes and knowledge.
Balancing my work life is a constant challenge, but it reflects who I am—an open book. I strive to influence others with positivity, hoping that even a small portion of that light will inspire someone else to overcome their obstacles. By embracing this mindset, we can create positive cultures and foster better communication. My personal brand and movement, MIN, is dedicated to giving exposure to those who are striving for their goals, ensuring that no one’s surroundings hold them back from achieving success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
“My ideal itinerary would start with brunch at Xperience Lounge, located on Trinity Mills in the DFW area. Their brunch menu is fantastic, featuring dishes like lamb chops, chicken & waffles, and a variety of breakfast items. After brunch, I’d head over to New Artisan Distillery on Chancellor Row near the medical district for their delicious Botanical Bourbon, a signature drink crafted by part-owner Don Short.

Next, I’d visit the Daisha Board Gallery, a must-see destination showcasing culturally diverse art from local artists. For an afternoon with friends, we’d head to The Freeman in the heart of Deep Ellum, where you can enjoy live music, spoken word, and delicious Creole cuisine. To cap off the night, I’d make my way to Lava Lounge in Uptown for an evening of club music and vibrant culture—plus, free entry, which we all love!”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“I dedicate this to everyone striving to achieve their dreams, but especially to all the students I’ve had the privilege of teaching over the years. I want to give special recognition to my current students at Fair Park in Shreveport, Louisiana—my heart is with them on this journey. I want them to know that with determination and an open mind, anything is possible. By embracing metacognitive thinking, they can plan for the best opportunities and solutions in life.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family for constantly encouraging me and allowing me to pursue my dreams. I recognize that not everyone receives such support from their family, and I feel blessed to call you mine.

Finally, this is dedicated to everyone, young and old, who has ever questioned which path to take in life—know that you are seen, and your voice will be heard.”

Instagram: j_poole91 or MINLLC

Image Credits
Alex J. Martin
Chinem McCollum