Musketeer Monday Part Two: Aimee Prince

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: Aimee Prince, 2nd Grade Teacher, Mulligan Elementary School

School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work:
2nd Grade Teacher at Charles A. Mulligan Elementary School

Years of Experience:
I am currently in my 25th year as an elementary school teacher. I was also a proud student in this district.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
So many years ago, I knew I wanted to be a teacher after seeing how great teachers could inspire confidence and curiosity in students. I've carried that inspiration through my 25 years, creating a classroom where students feel valued, seen, and capable.

What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
I love being in the Central Islip School District, where students feel safe, valued, and supported, and where teachers are compassionate, dedicated, and help every child thrive.

What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my career as an elementary teacher is those “aha” moments in the classroom. I love when former students come back to visit or mention my name, as it reminds me how meaningful our connections are. Every day, I make it my goal to help students feel seen, heard, and valued.

What are a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
My favorite moments are during STEM experiments, like when an experiment goes hilariously wrong or when students say the funniest, most unexpected things. Those little bloopers make teaching unforgettable.

Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
Just as great teachers leave a lasting impact, I have two friends, Diane Caruso and Desiree Giler, who have become my go-to girls since we first met years ago. They’ve become lifelong friends, and I’ve always felt that they are authentic, supportive, and like angels I can lean on whenever I need them.

What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
My favorite part of the school year is parent-teacher conferences. I love connecting with parents, learning about each child, and building relationships with their families. I leave feeling proud of those connections and honored to have taught these children for so many years in our district.

Where did you grow up / go to school?
I grew up right by the high school in Central Islip. Returning as a teacher has been meaningful because this community has always been a big part of my life. I attended Buffalo State College for my undergraduate degree and Dowling College for graduate school.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of my favorite books. It teaches about love, patience, and understanding for both the people in our lives and the precious animals who teach us so much.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
As the book says, “We live our lives learning from every turn, every mistake, every joy. It’s in those moments that we grow, and in that growth, we find connection, love, and purpose.”

What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
I love making the most of my time by seeing Broadway shows, going to country concerts, and exploring new restaurants with family and friends. I enjoy vacations with adventurous activities such as surfing, horseback riding, or taking a hot air balloon ride. When I am home, I enjoy staying active with a fun game of pickleball, hiking, or any other challenge. For me, it’s all about balance, challenging myself, and making every moment count.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
I would choose Taylor Swift because I admire how she creates and manages her career entirely on her own terms. She is independent, strategic, and determined—qualities that resonate with how I approach my own work and life.

If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
If I weren’t in education, I’d love to be a personal stylist or interior designer. I would enjoy helping people express themselves and creating spaces or looks that make them feel confident and authentic.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to travel to Greece. I would like to explore the culture, enjoy the food, see the sights, and try some adventures along the way.