Musketeer Monday Part Two: Esther Hand

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 Part One: Esther Hand, Reading Teacher, Mulligan Elementary School

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: Mulligan School / Classroom Teacher / Reading Teacher

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / current field do you have?
A: Over 20 years in the classroom.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: I come from a family of teachers; my mom, my sister, my brother, and even my husband are all teachers. I still remember my teachers that I had here in Central Islip and how much of an impact they had on my life. Now I get to reciprocate to the next generation.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: I love the fact that I can give back to the community that I grew up in.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The kids. I laugh every day, and I get to be a part of someone’s learning journey.

Q: What’s a few memorable moments you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: Every year, we celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th. My 3rd graders loved it each year I was in the classroom. We even published a class book titled The Day in the Life of a 3rd Grader, and most of them wrote about that day.

I have had the chance to work with the most wonderful friends who started as colleagues and became family. We have been together through ups and downs and have shared our lives. After all, we are together for 6 hours a day, 180 days a year. Lol.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: Karen La Rocca Rodriguez has been like the sister I didn’t know I needed. Her positive energy is contagious and has brightened some days that may have been more difficult to get through without her. She helps me to be a better version of myself because she sees the best in me.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: Every year on the last day of school, the whole staff goes outside to wave goodbye to the kids. We all have bubbles, noisemakers, and signs. It’s a celebration of another year’s successes. It is bittersweet as we share a year in review, the beginning of summer, and there are always big smiles (and tears).

Q: Where did you grow up / go to school?
A: I grew up here and now teach in the school I went to as a student: Charles A. Mulligan Elementary.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
A: I love the author Freida McFadden. Her books are so easy to read!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: No.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I love spending time with my family and reading.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: No idea.

Q: If you weren’t in education or the field you're in now, what career would you choose?
A: Besides being a teacher and a mom, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: I would love to go to Italy and France.