Musketeer Monday Part Two: Alyssa Soldano

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: Second Grade at Mulligan Elementary School.

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / current field do you have?
A: This is my 5th year teaching in Central Islip and my 6th year teaching overall.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: There are two parts to this. First, I genuinely love learning. I’m always researching, reading, and trying to understand how the world works. Being able to share that curiosity with kids every day is a dream come true. Teaching is also like solving a puzzle—figuring out how to best meet students’ needs, being creative, problem-solving, and analyzing. I love that challenge.
The second part is that my mom was a teacher, and some of my favorite memories are watching her work in her classroom. The impact she made on so many students continues to inspire me.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: Central Islip truly feels like a family. The way the community rallies together is incredible to be a part of. There is so much Musketeer pride everywhere you look. Everyone looks out for one another and works toward the betterment of our schools and community. People truly care.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The “lightbulb” moments—when you see it click for a student after they’ve worked so hard. Watching their confidence grow and seeing how proud they are of themselves never gets old.

Q: What are a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: Any schoolwide event is so much fun. Our PTA at Mulligan is amazing and puts together incredible events. I especially love our End-of-Year Carnival and our Pi Day celebration. Seeing the excitement on students’ faces is the best part.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: I’ve worked in three buildings and have had so many incredible experiences with amazing teachers and faculty members. It’s impossible to choose just one. Everyone I’ve worked with has been genuinely kind, collaborative, and supportive. If we’ve worked together over the past few years—thank you.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: I love the Senior Walkthrough. As an elementary teacher, you can feel how much our students look up to the high school seniors. We make posters for them and cheer so loudly. Watching the seniors glow with pride, knowing they’ve accomplished something great, is incredibly rewarding.

Q: Where did you grow up / go to school?
A: I grew up in Deer Park and attended Deer Park High School. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Molloy University.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them.
A: Two of my favorite books are The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. I read both in middle and high school, and they’ve stayed with me ever since. I enjoy lighthearted TV shows like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine—anything that makes me laugh and helps me decompress.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: “Be afraid, but do it anyway.” I think it speaks for itself.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I love to read, cook, bake, and take walks with my dog, Ony.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: Taylor Swift—she’s been my favorite artist for almost twenty years, and I have so many questions for her. I would also love to meet Dolly Parton. The work she does for the literary community is so inspiring.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
A: Writing or publishing—something creative where I could use what I love.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: I want to travel more and experience new cultures. I would also love to write a book one day.