Michael Pisseri
Social Studies and Intervention Teacher
Fairfield, Connecticut
About Michael Pisseri
Michael Pisseri is an educator and school administrator with more than 25 years of experience in Connecticut and New York public schools. He currently serves as a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher at a New York City Public Schools middle school in Harlem, New York, where he delivers academic and social-emotional instruction to students in grades six through eight.
Pisseri previously served as Principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut from 2011 to 2025. During his tenure, the school earned a Banner School Award from the State of Connecticut in 2016 for positive school climate and was recognized as a School of Distinction for academic performance in 2019. He led multiple school improvement initiatives, including PBIS, STEM programming in collaboration with the GE Foundation, and early literacy work through a Connecticut state grant.
Earlier in his career, Pisseri served as Assistant Principal at Ponus Ridge Middle School in Norwalk, Connecticut, and as a Social Studies Teacher and Curriculum Leader at Coleytown Middle School in Westport, Connecticut. He began his teaching career at David Wooster Middle School in Stratford, Connecticut.
Pisseri holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Fairfield University, a Master of Arts in Education from Fairfield University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration from Sacred Heart University. He is a graduate of the Urban School Leaders Fellowship and has presented at National Science Teachers Association conferences and at a STEM conference at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas in 2024.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Education
Media
Press
Awards & Recognition
- School of Distinction, State of Connecticut, 2019 — Davenport Ridge Elementary School, academic performance
- Banner School Award (PBIS), State of Connecticut, 2016 — Davenport Ridge Elementary School, positive school climate
- NASA STEM Conference Presenter, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 2024
- NSTA STEM Presentation, National Science Teachers Association Conference, Orlando, FL, July 2017
- Nominated, Westport Teacher of the Year, Westport Public Schools, 2005-2006
- TEAM Westport Community Leadership Award, 2004
- Rachel Robinson Recognition, for multicultural awareness work in Fairfield County
- National Baseball Hall of Fame Feature, Cooperstown, NY — Black History Commemorative Stamp Project
- National Negro League Hall of Fame Feature, Kansas City, MO — Black History Commemorative Stamp Project
- Urban School Leaders Fellowship, Graduate, 2012
- National Honor Society, Eastchester High School
Licenses & Certifications
- Certificate of Advanced Study, Administration, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut, 2006
Charities & Volunteering
- Student Council Advisor, Various schools, ongoing
- BEST Mentor, Supervised two BEST trainees and student teachers, Stratford, CT
Boards & Memberships
- STEM Design Team, STEMFest, Member, 2014-Present
- Urban School Leaders Fellowship, Graduate Member, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michael Pisseri do?
Michael Pisseri is a Social Studies and Intervention Teacher at New York City Public Schools, where he delivers academic and social-emotional instruction to middle school students in Harlem, New York. He is an educator and former school administrator with more than 25 years of experience in Connecticut and New York public schools.
What is Michael Pisseri known for?
Pisseri is known for his work as Principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut, where he led school improvement initiatives including PBIS, STEM programming with the GE Foundation, and early literacy work; the school earned a Banner School Award in 2016 and was named a School of Distinction in 2019. He has also presented at National Science Teachers Association conferences and a STEM conference at the Johnson Space Center.
Where is Michael Pisseri based?
Michael Pisseri is based in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Where did Michael Pisseri study?
Pisseri earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Education from Fairfield University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration from Sacred Heart University.
Who does Michael Pisseri work for?
Michael Pisseri currently works for New York City Public Schools.
Last updated April 8, 2026