Michael Pisseri is an education leader based in Fairfield, Connecticut. He has built his career on discipline, steady growth, and a belief in process over hype. His work spans classroom teaching and school leadership, with a strong focus on student outcomes and school culture.
Raised in Eastchester, New York, Michael is the oldest of four children. His father was a pharmacist for 50 years. His mother was a nurse. He attended public schools and worked 20 hours a week at a local grocery store while in high school. He was one of only ten students selected for the National Honor Society. That early balance of work and study shaped his leadership style.
Michael earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from Fairfield University, followed by a Certificate of Advanced Study in Leadership from Sacred Heart University. In 2006, he was a Teacher of the Year finalist in Westport Public Schools.
As Principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School, he led a full turnaround. The school moved from one of the lower performing in Stamford to one of the strongest within seven years. It earned a Banner School Award for positive climate in 2016 and was named a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2019.
In 2024, he presented at a National STEM Conference at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Today, as a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher in New York City Public Schools, he continues to focus on impact, resilience, and building teams that improve results for children.
Michael Pisseri: Building Schools Through Process, Persistence and Purpose
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did your early life shape your career in education?
I grew up in Eastchester, New York. I am the oldest of four children. My father was a pharmacist in the Bronx for 50 years. My mother was a nurse. They believed in hard work and honesty. I had my first job at 14 at Grand Union grocery store. I worked about 20 hours a week in high school while playing sports and keeping my grades up.
I was one of ten students selected for the National Honor Society. I was the only one in my family to receive that honor. Years later, my son earned the same recognition. We have a photo holding our awards side by side. That means a lot to me.
Those early years taught me discipline. They also taught me that progress comes from steady effort.
Q: What drew you into education as a career?
I attended public schools my whole life. I am proud of that. I saw teachers who made a real difference. I wanted to do the same.
I studied at Fairfield University for my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. I later completed a leadership certificate at Sacred Heart University. Early in my career, I focused on the classroom. In 2006, I was named a Teacher of the Year finalist in Westport Public Schools. That was a proud moment. It confirmed that the work mattered.
Q: You later became a principal. What was that transition like?
Becoming a principal changed my perspective. I became Principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School at a time when it was one of the lower performing schools in Stamford.
The work was not about quick fixes. It was about process and building relationships. It was about getting to know people, recognise the great work that was already taking place and building a new team. We set clear expectations. We focused on the school climate first. In 2016, the school received a Banner School Award for positive climate. In 2019, we were named a Connecticut School of Distinction for test scores.
It took seven years. That is why I always say a transparent process that leads to the outcome is what matters most.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in being a good listener. Be authentic. Be someone people trust and keep moving forward.
I will not give up. I believe you can get better every day. That belief has to be ingrained in you. I also believe in quiet acts of kindness. Leadership is not about being loud. It is about consistency, listening and identifying a clear process that focuses on what is best for children.
Before setting goals, I start with direction. I ask myself what I want more of. Growth. Connection. Impact. I ask what I want less of. Burnout. Chaos. That keeps my work aligned with my values.
Q: In 2024, you presented at a National STEM Conference at NASA. What did that experience mean to you?
It was a full circle moment. I have always been passionate about STEM and space. Presenting at the Johnson Space Center in Houston was special.
The focus was on research and innovation in education. For me, STEM is not just about science. It is about curiosity. It teaches students how to think, not just what to memorise.
Standing at NASA, I thought about the journey from Eastchester Public Schools to that stage. It reinforced that steady work over time opens doors.
Q: You are now a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher in New York City. Why return to the classroom?
I have learned something everywhere I have worked. That is important to me. The classroom keeps you grounded. It keeps you close to students. I thought at this point in my career it would help me to reconnect with students and also place myself in the shoes of current day educators. I have a lot of respect for all educators including teachers and para-educators. I know how hard and challenging the work is. Working in New York City is an amazing experience! I have learned so much from the students and staff in a middle school setting. They have challenged me to be the best educator I can be while connecting to them and their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Intervention work has a direct impact. You see progress in real time. It reminds you why you started. I enjoy working on literacy based skills with students in a small group setting.
Q: How do you balance professional and personal life?
Balance is not about splitting time evenly. It is about alignment. Your work should support the life you want.
I ran two half marathons, one in Brooklyn and one in Fairfield. Training for those races reminded me that progress is slow and steady. You build endurance mile by mile.
My two sons are both baseball pitchers. My oldest was named captain as a junior at Mount St Mary’s College. Watching them compete and grow keeps everything in perspective.
Q: How do you define success today?
Success is living in alignment with your values while continuing to grow. It is not just achieving outcomes. It is becoming someone you respect along the way.
For me, that means making a positive difference for children. It means building teams. It means never giving up and always focusing on continued growth.
