(ALBANY, NEW YORK) – The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) are congratulating Schenectady Federation of Teachers Member Colleen Keough, a Second-Grade Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, on being named the 2025 New York State Teacher of the Year by the State Board of Regents.

Keough, who has taught within the Schenectady City School District for 16 years, was celebrated by the Board of Regents and NYSUT during the Regents’ meeting in Albany.

Keough is described by her peers and colleagues as someone who “exudes all that is right about dedicating a lifelong commitment to helping children and families.”

They say her continued pursuit of professional development allows Keough to accelerate her brightest students with a variety of pedagogies, but she can similarly reach a struggling student with “simple, yet profound empathy, coupled with complete professionalism.”

Keough quotes Youth Advocate Josh Shipp in the motto she embraces as a Teacher each day: “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”

She has infused the Hamilton School Community with excitement and connection, as shown by her successful campaign to revive the Huskies mascot and her tradition of cooking a full Thanksgiving meal for students each year.

Keough says she prioritizes creating a safe place where students know they have a support system.  That often extends beyond the school day and school walls, including walking kids home from school, dropping off groceries for families and connecting them with community resources.

“Colleen represents the best of us, as a person and as an Educator,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said. “Her infectious joy and dedication to her students create ripple effects far beyond the borders of her school building.  She is an asset to Schenectady, an asset to our State and so deserving of this honor.”

NYSUT also congratulated the Teacher of the Year finalists: Nicole Hesari at Todd Elementary School in Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District and Joshua Levitt at Freeport High School in Freeport School District.

New York State United Teachers represents nearly 700,000 Members across the State in education, human services and health care.

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