Musketeer Monday Part One: Miryam Veliz Calderon

Welcome to Musketeer Monday, a weekly series in which we feature students and staff around the Central Islip School District. If you’re interested in nominating a fellow Musketeer, please click the link below to submit your nomination:

Musketeer Monday Form

Musketeer Monday: Ms. Miryam Veliz Calderon, Math Teacher, Central Islip High School

School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work:
CIHS / 9–12 / Bilingual Algebra 1 & Bilingual Business Math / Bilingual Math Teacher. I serve as the National Honor Society Advisor, and I believe I am the first Latina to lead the chapter. I also co coordinate the Latina Mentoring Initiative created by Governor Kathy Hochul. I run A.L.A.S., which stands for Alumnos(as) Latinos(as) Alcanzando Sueños, a program that mentors Latinos/as students in reaching their goals. In addition, I am the activity coordinator for the Reed YES Program.

Years of Experience:
This is my fifth year teaching, and I have been part of the education field for nine years.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My path into education was shaped by a deep commitment to service and community. As a bilingual Latina woman and an immigrant, I have always felt a strong responsibility to represent my community in educational spaces where our presence is still limited. I want my students to see a real example of someone who shares their culture, language, and lived experience, and who has built a successful path in the United States. Showing them that their identity is a source of strength and possibility is what continues to motivate my work as an educator.

What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
What I enjoy most about being part of this school community is the strong sense of connection and purpose that exists here. Our students are resilient, talented, and full of potential, and it’s incredibly rewarding to support them as they grow academically and personally. I also value the dedication of my colleagues, who work tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive environment for every student.

What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing the growth of my students over the years. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them strengthen their mathematical skills, but even more meaningful to watch them mature into confident, responsible young adults. Being part of their academic journey and their personal development is a privilege that continually reminds me why I love being an educator.

What are a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
One of the most memorable moments for me is watching my students graduate. Seeing all their hard work come full circle, witnessing their families beam with pride, and knowing how far they’ve come always brings me tears of joy. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do this work and how meaningful it is to be part of their journey.

Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
I would like to recognize Dafny Irizarry for the tremendous impact she has had on my growth as an educator. She guided me from the beginning and helped shape me into the teacher I am today. Dafny took the time to show me the ropes—how to plan events, how to create meaningful experiences for our students, and how to celebrate our culture with pride. She also encouraged me to take students beyond the classroom and into activities that broaden their horizons. Her mentorship, support, and example have been invaluable to me.

What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
My favorite event in our schools is International Night. It’s a beautiful celebration where staff and students bring a dish from their country and showcase a trifold presentation highlighting their culture. The evening also includes performances that reflect the diversity of our community. What I love most is how it brings families together—everyone celebrating one another’s traditions, stories, and differences. It’s a powerful reminder of the richness within our school community and the pride we share in our cultural identities.

Where did you grow up / go to school?
I was born and raised in Argentina to Peruvian parents. Shortly before I turned ten, my family relocated to Long Island, NY, where I grew up in the Bay Shore School District. I later earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
A movie I enjoy is Coco. I love how it celebrates family, culture, and the importance of honoring where we come from. The music and message always resonate with me.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
“Sí se puede.” – Dolores Huerta

What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy dancing, working out, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends. Staying active and being around the people I care about helps me recharge and stay balanced.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, I would choose Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Her journey as a Latina and first-generation American who rose to one of the highest positions in our country is incredibly inspiring. I would love to learn from her wisdom, resilience, and commitment to representation.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to travel to a country known for its music and take a dance class with local instructors. Combining travel, culture, and movement would be a dream experience for me.