Michael Pisseri of Fairfield, Connecticut urges educators and communities to refocus on trust, consistency, and long-term growth in public education.
FAIRFIELD, CT / ACCESS Newswire / February 3, 2026 / Veteran educator and former school principal Michael Pisseri is raising awareness around the need for a more process-driven, values-based approach in public education-one that prioritizes trust, team culture, and steady improvement over short-term results.
After decades in classrooms and school leadership roles, Pisseri says the challenges facing education today cannot be solved by 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."
Across the United States, schools continue to face pressure from declining morale, burnout, and uneven student outcomes. According to national education research, nearly one in four teachers reports frequent job-related stress, and school leaders are leaving their roles at higher rates than in previous decades. These trends affect not only educators, but also students and families who rely on stable learning environments.
Pisseri believes the solution starts with leadership that is grounded, consistent, and human.
"Be a good listener. Be authentic. Be someone people trust," he said. "And keep moving forward."
Pisseri's perspective is shaped by experience. As principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut, he led a long-term turnaround effort at a school that had been among the lowest performing in the district. Over seven years, the school earned a Connecticut School of Distinction designation for academic performance and a Banner School Award for positive school climate.
"I was excited to become the principal of a school in an amazing city. There was work to do of course, and I was motivated toward making the school the best place it could be in the community on behalf of the students, staff and parents." Pisseri said. "We didn't chase headlines. We focused on people and process."
Today, Pisseri serves as a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher with New York City Public Schools and remains actively engaged in student leadership, STEM education, and professional learning. In 2024, he presented at a National STEM Conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center, highlighting the role of curiosity and resilience in education.
"Everywhere I have worked, I have learned something," he said. "Just keep going."
Pisseri also emphasizes the connection between personal growth and professional effectiveness. He points to his experience running half marathons as a reminder that progress comes from consistency, not perfection.
"I don't give up. I don't quit," he said. "I believe you can get better every day."
As conversations continue nationwide about how to strengthen schools, Pisseri is encouraging educators, parents, and community members to reflect on the role they play in building healthy learning environments-through patience, alignment with values, and quiet acts of support.
"Success is living in alignment with your values while continuing to grow," Pisseri said. "That applies to schools just as much as it applies to people."
Call to Action
Michael Pisseri encourages individuals to take time to reflect on the systems around them-at work, at school, and in their communities-and consider how trust, consistency, and long-term thinking can support better outcomes for the next generation.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Michael Pisseri
Michael Pisseri is an educator based in Fairfield, Connecticut, currently serving as a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher with New York City Public Schools. He has served children and communities in several roles such as principal, assistant principal and teacher. Pisseri is also a Teacher of the Year finalist, and a national STEM conference presenter. His work focuses on education leadership, student growth, and process-driven improvement.
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SOURCE: Michael Pisseri
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