Education leader Michael Pisseri is speaking out about what he believes is missing in many school reform conversations: patience, process and a deeper investment in student well-being.

After decades in public education, including leading a seven-year turnaround at Davenport Ridge Elementary School, Pisseri says sustainable success does not come from quick fixes.

“The process that leads to the outcome is the most important,” Pisseri said. “That is where you build a team, set up a plan, fail, refine and then achieve success. You always focus on students and continued growth and improvement.”

His message comes at a critical time. According to national education data, many US students are still recovering from learning loss following the pandemic, with reading and math scores in several states below pre-2020 levels. At the same time, surveys from the CDC show rising levels of anxiety and emotional stress among adolescents. Pisseri argues that schools must respond with structure and support, not panic.

During his tenure as principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School, the school earned a Banner School Award for positive climate in 2016 and was later named a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2019 for academic performance. He credits that progress to a strong commitment from staff to student improvement as well as culture before content.

“Start with direction, not goals,” he explained. “Before you chase numbers, decide what you want more of — growth, connection, impact — and what you want less of, like burnout and chaos.”

In 2024, Pisseri presented at a National STEM Conference at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He believes STEM education is essential not only for career readiness but for building curiosity and resilience.

Federal labour data continues to project strong growth in STEM-related fields over the next decade. Yet many districts report shortages of qualified STEM teachers and limited student access to advanced coursework. Pisseri sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity.

“STEM is not just about science,” he said. “It teaches students how to think. Curiosity and problem-solving are skills that apply to every part of life.”

Now serving as a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher in New York City Public Schools, Pisseri says the classroom remains the clearest view of what students need.

“I don’t give up. I don’t quit. I believe we can get better every day,” he said. “That belief has to be ingrained in you.”

He is also advocating for a stronger emphasis on balance and identity in education. Research consistently shows that students who feel connected to their school community are more likely to attend regularly, perform academically and graduate on time. Pisseri believes trust and listening are central to that connection.

“Be a good listener. Be authentic. Be someone people trust and keep moving forward and always connect the work you do to continuous growth for children and young adults.”

What Individuals Can Do

Pisseri’s call to action is practical and personal:

• Parents can create structured routines at home that reinforce discipline and curiosity.

• Educators can focus on relationship-building before results.

• Students can set direction first, not just goals.

• Community members can support local schools by volunteering time or mentoring.

“Success is living in alignment with your values while continuing to grow,” Pisseri said. “It is not just about achieving outcomes. It is about becoming someone you respect along the way.”

He believes meaningful change begins at the local level — in classrooms, homes and community spaces — long before it appears in national data.

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Michael Pisseri

Michael Pisseri is a Fairfield, Connecticut-based education leader and Social Studies and Intervention Teacher in New York City Public Schools. He previously served in several roles such as student, teacher, middle school curriculum leader, assistant principal and as Principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School, where he led a multi-year academic and cultural turnaround that resulted in state recognition for both school climate and performance. In 2024, he presented at a National STEM Conference at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. His work focuses on resilience, alignment, student well-being and long-term school improvement.

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Info@michaelpisseri.com

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