Michael Pisseri Launches “Direction Over Goals” Pledge to Support Student Growth and Well-Being

FAIRFIELD, CT, May 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Education leader Michael Pisseri has announced a new personal initiative called the “Direction Over Goals” Pledge, aimed at helping students, educators and families refocus on steady growth, resilience and meaningful learning in today’s high-pressure academic environment.

The pledge is grounded in Pisseri’s decades of experience in education, including his work turning around Davenport Ridge Elementary School and his current role supporting students in New York City classrooms.

“I think goals can be overrated. Direction matters more,” Pisseri said. “If you know what you want more of and less of, your decisions become clearer.”

The initiative comes at a time when students face increasing academic and social emotional challenges:

National assessment data shows many students remain below pre-2020 levels in reading and maths.
The CDC reports that over 40% of high school students have experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Chronic absenteeism rates have risen significantly across US school districts.
STEM-related careers are projected to grow faster than most other fields, yet many students lack access to consistent preparation.

Pisseri believes the solution starts with mindset and daily habits.

“Big ideas fail when they stay big,” he said. “You build, test, adjust and repeat.”

He also emphasises the importance of trust and reflection.

“Listen. Really listen. In schools, people want to be heard,” he said. “Reflection keeps you honest about effort and progress.”

The “Direction Over Goals” Pledge: 7 Personal Commitments

Pisseri is committing to the following these committments:

Set direction before goals by defining what growth, connection and impact look like each month.
Break all major tasks into small steps and track progress weekly.
Hold regular reflection sessions to review what worked and what needs improvement.
Prioritise listening in every classroom or group setting.
Model resilience openly by sharing setbacks and lessons learned.
Create structured routines that support focus and consistency.
Encourage problem-solving thinking through simple STEM-based activities.

“Focus on the process,” Pisseri said. “That is where real progress happens.”

Do It Yourself Toolkit: 10 Free Actions Anyone Can Take

You do not need special training or funding to take part. Start here:

Write down what you want more of and less of this month.
Set one small, clear goal for the week.
Spend 10 minutes reflecting at the end of each day.
Ask one person for honest feedback.
Try one simple STEM activity using household items.
Replace one result-focused question with a process-focused one.
Create a distraction-free study or work space.
Track effort, not just outcomes.
Have one meaningful conversation without distractions.
Share one lesson learned from a mistake.

30-Day Progress Tracker

Week 1: Define your direction (growth, connection, impact).
Week 2: Build one consistent daily habit.
Week 3: Add a problem-solving or STEM activity.
Week 4: Reflect and refine your approach.

Simple checklist:

□ Weekly direction defined
□ Daily habit completed
□ Reflection logged
□ Feedback received
□ Adjustment made

At the end of 30 days, review what improved and what needs to change.

Call to Action

Michael Pisseri invites educators, students and families to take the “Direction Over Goals” Pledge, commit to one action, and share the toolkit within their communities. The aim is simple: build better habits, stronger thinking and more resilient learners.

“Steady growth builds better outcomes,” Pisseri said. “You move forward one step at a time.”

Michael Pisseri is a Fairfield, Connecticut-based education leader and Social Studies and Intervention Teacher in New York City Public Schools. He has served as the Principal of Davenport Ridge Elementary School, where he led a seven-year turnaround that resulted in state recognition for school climate and academic performance. In 2024, he presented at a National STEM Conference at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In 2017, he presented at the NSTA Conference in Orlando, FL, on STEM work in an elementary school. Mr. Pisseri is a teacher of the year nominee in the Westport Public Schools, 2005. His work focuses on resilience, process-driven learning and student development.

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