Michael Pierce was born in Newport News, Virginia and attended Gloucester High School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Specialized Search Dog Handler, performing counter explosive hazard searches for 1st Group 3d Battalion Special Forces across three tours in Afghanistan. During his time on active duty Pierce also completed dozens of secret service missions in which the protectees were the President and Vice President, including two UN General Assemblies

Pierce completed his undergraduate degree from Drury University while on active duty. Upon leaving the Army he enrolled in graduate school at Old Dominion University, earning a MS Ed in Secondary Social Studies. While a history teacher for Middlesex County Public Schools Pierce taught numerous AP and DE courses, including Psychology, Geography, African American History, US History, and World Civilizations. During his time at Middlesex Pierce also taught a variety of Technology Education classes and served as Girls Head Track Coach, Boys Head Cross Country Coach and sponsored the Technology Student Association. 

Pierce returned to ODU and completed an MS Ed. In Administration and departed MCPS to serve as the Alternative Education Coordinator for Essex County Public Schools. The following year he was named Assistant Principal of James Cary Intermediate School. As AP, Pierce worked to reduce exclusionary discipline, shaped division attendance policies to proactively combat chronic absenteeism and created a restorative Alternative Education program.

Pierce currently serves as Principal of James Cary Intermediate School. He resides in Hartfield, Virginia with his wife, Pamela and their three children (Gabriella, Blake and Elliot). Pierce looks forward to partnering with his teacher colleagues to improve the lives of Essex students and prepare them for the post secondary success they deserve.