From the Principal

DR. PAULINE PEARCE

Dr. Pauline Pearce joined the Mount Vernon School Community in 2000. She taught mathematics at Franko Middle School for 12 years, which was renamed Benjamin Turner Middle School. As a teacher, her students excelled in the classroom as she instilled a passionate and aspiring learning environment.  

In 2013, Dr. Pearce served as the STEM department administrator at Thornton High School for three years. Under the late Sharon Bradley’s leadership, she excelled as an educational leader. She modeled and held students and teachers to high expectations and was ready to offer support where needed. 

Dr. Pearce was then invited to join the Mount Vernon High School staff where she served as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. She led the team that facilitated the years long authorization effort for the school to become accepted by the International Baccalaureate organization.  

Dr. Pearce was appointed principal of Benjamin Turner Middle School during the COVID-19 Pandemic where she led the staff through one of the toughest times in educational history as a first-year principal. She supported a culture where all staff collaborated, had a seat at the table, felt recognized and valued. She re-established and opened partnerships to provide opportunities for students to explore and have access to extracurricular experiences. She took the lead on preparing the staff to embrace and embody the community school concept.  

Overall, her experiences prepared her to lead the Flagship School of the district. She brings a nimble mind, unique optimism, a strong background in curriculum and instruction, and a working knowledge of the supports that students need to be successful. She envisions a new Mount Vernon High School, that is built on the three pillars: Building Community, Cultivating Character and Inspiring Excellence. She is determined to see to it that every student will identify a career path, develop a clear plan to reach their goals, and successfully execute their plan by graduation and beyond. 

Dr. Pearce attended Fordham University, where she earned her Doctorate in Urban Leadership. Additionally, she holds three master's degrees in education and a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science.  

Dr. Pearce has dedicated her life in service to children. She believes emphatically that a well-rounded education can change not only one’s station in life but can significantly impact one’s outlook on life. She believes that every student should be held to ambitious standards and never give up on their dreams.