Michael Pisseri is an education leader based in Fairfield, Connecticut. He has built his career on discipline, consistent growth and the belief that process trumps hype. His work includes classroom teaching and school leadership, with a focus on student outcomes and school culture.
Michael grew up in Eastchester, New York and 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 school. He was one of only ten students selected for the National Honor Society. This early balance between work and study shaped his leadership style.
Michael earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Fairfield University, followed by a Certificate of Advanced Study in Leadership from Sacred Heart University. In 2006, he was a finalist for Westport Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
As principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School, he initiated a complete turnaround. In seven years, the school went from one of the lowest performing in Stamford to one of the strongest. It received a Banner School Award for Positive Climate in 2016 and was named a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2019.
In 2024, he gave a talk 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, resiliency, and building teams that improve outcomes 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. My first job was at the Grand Union grocery store when I was 14. I worked about 20 hours a week in high school, played sports, and kept 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 this honor. Years later, my son received the same recognition. We have a photo showing 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 constant effort.
Q: What made you decide to pursue training as a career?
I have attended public schools my entire life. I’m proud of that. I have seen teachers who have made a real difference. I wanted to do the same.
I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fairfield University. 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 Westport Public Schools Teacher of the Year finalist. That was a proud moment. It confirmed that the work was important.
Q: You later became a school principal. What was that transition like?
When I became a school principal, my perspective changed. I became principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School at a time when it was one of the lowest performing schools in Stamford.
The work wasn’t about quick fixes. It was about process and building relationships. It was about getting to know people, recognizing the great work that had already been done and building a new team. We set clear expectations. We initially focused on the school climate. In 2016 the school received a Banner School Award for Positive Climate. In 2019, we were recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction for test scores.
It took seven years. That’s why I always say that a transparent process that leads to results is the most important thing.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in being a good listener. Be authentic. Be someone people trust and keep going.
I won’t give up. I believe that you can get better every day. This belief must be deeply rooted within you. I also believe in quiet, kind acts. Leadership is not about being loud. It’s about consistency, listening and identifying a clear process that focuses on what’s best for children.
Before I set goals, I start with direction. I ask myself what I want more of. Growth. Connection. Effects. I ask what I would like less of. Burnout. Chaos. This keeps my work in line with my values.
Q: In 2024, you presented at a national STEM conference at NASA. What did this experience mean to you?
It was a full circle moment. I have always had a passion for STEM and space. The presentation at the Johnson Space Center in Houston was special.
The focus was on research and innovation in the education sector. For me, STEM is not just about science. It’s about curiosity. It teaches students how to think, not just what to remember.
As I stood at NASA, I thought about the journey from Eastchester Public Schools to this point. It has shown that consistent work opens doors over time.
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’s important to me. The classroom keeps you grounded. This means you stay close to the students. At this point in my career, I thought it would help me reconnect with students and also put myself in the shoes of today’s teachers. I have great respect for all educators, including teachers and teaching assistants. I know how hard and challenging the work is. Working in New York City is an amazing experience! I learned so much from the students and staff at a middle school. They have challenged me to be the best educator I can be while connecting with them and their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Intervention work has direct impact. You see the progress in real time. It reminds you why you started. I enjoy working with students in small groups on reading skills.
Q: How do you balance your professional and private life?
Balance is not about dividing time equally. It’s about alignment. Your work should support the life you want.
I ran two half marathons, one in Brooklyn and one in Fairfield. Training for these races reminded me that progress is slow and steady. You build endurance kilometer after kilometer.
My two sons are both baseball pitchers. My eldest was made 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 means living in harmony with your values while continuing to grow. It’s not just about getting results. It’s about the journey of becoming someone you respect.
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.
