Our Students, Now: Dr. Christopher Pearce

Dr. Christopher Pearce, Principal at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, is an alum of the Class of 1989 at Mount Vernon High School, and he has been an educator for the District since 2000. He began as a math teacher, then became a dean of students, an assistant principal, and finally a principal. He is at his second school as principal, having also led the former Benjamin Turner Middle School. He has committed the majority of his career to shaping the lives of students in the school district that he graduated from. 

“We are so grateful to have Dr. Pearce working with our students,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “I know that our scholars at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy are in great hands with him at the helm. He models his school’s culture on the four C’s of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. These pillars are a great way to ensure that students are learning at a high level and committing to their educations fully.” 

View the Q+A with Dr. Pearce below! 

1. What has your experience been as an educator for the District that you graduated from?  

I began working in the City of Mount Vernon in 2000. I began my career in Mount Vernon as a mathematics teacher at Franko Middle School, which was later called Longfellow Middle School and Benjamin Turner Middle School. My experience as an educator has been rewarding and empowering. I have served as a mathematics teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I enjoy my profession as an educator in all the roles in which I have served. I am enthusiastic about the success of students in the city that I love. Therefore, I endeavor to lead with commitment to ensure that all students achieve academic success and wellbeing regardless of their socio-economic status or ethnicity. Also, my experience as an instructional leader has inspired me to build teacher capacity and create a positive learning environment. 

2. How has MVHS/MVCSD prepared you for your career?  

MVHS/MVCSD gave me the tools that I needed to achieve academic and professional success. I graduated from MVHS after 2 years and majored in Electrical Engineering. I developed a love for mathematics in the eleventh grade at MVHS due to the inspiration of Mr. Cuglietto. In 2000 and beyond, I worked with excellent mathematics teachers and district administrators. The leadership experience that I gained as Dean of Students, Summer School Administrator, and Assistant Principal propelled me into the role of principal.  

3. Who are some people (teachers, counselors, etc.) who inspired or pushed you to be better during your time in the school district?  

Ms. Valentine (ELA), Mr. Cuglietto (Math), and Mr. Meltzer (Social Studies) were the teachers who inspired me the most at MVHS. Ms. Valentine was very warm and loving and pushed me to be my best self. Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer was my counselor, and he gave me the advice that I needed as a brand-new student in the United States in 1987. 

4. What was your favorite experience in the Mount Vernon City School District?  

My favorite part of being in the Mount Vernon City School District was serving as a middle school teacher. I enjoyed teaching and molding the students to be their best selves. I recently hired a mathematics teacher who I taught in the seventh grade. This was quite emotional for me because I saw that teachers plant the seed that grows forever.  

5. What is one thing from your time in the Mount Vernon City School District that stuck with you the most or helped you the most in your career?  

The one thing that stuck with me the most in the Mount Vernon City School District was Pauline Palmer who later became Pauline Pearce. We worked as mathematics teachers in the same school and graduated with our doctorates from Fordham University in 2020. Her drive for excellence motivated me to be my best self. 

6. What are you most proud of from your school experience?  

 
I am most proud of getting my doctoral degree in Urban Education from Fordham University. This degree was dedicated to my devoted mother who encouraged me to be an educator. 

7. What do you know now that you wish you knew during your time in the school district?  

In hindsight, I wish I believed that the challenges that I encountered in the school district were essential for my growth and development. I now know that setbacks are the precursors of comebacks.  

8. What would you tell current students today to help them on their academic and career journey?  

Today, I tell students to believe in themselves, work hard, and achieve success. I remind them to never lose hope because of challenging situations that they might encounter. I encourage them to remember that nothing that is worthwhile will ever come easy. I challenge them to never stop dreaming. I urge them to live a purpose driven life that makes their existence meaningful and productive. I encourage them to be intentional in the things they do. I tell them to believe in their potential, because all of them have the potential to achieve excellence.