NYSUT congratulates Schenectady’s Colleen Keough as New York state’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

ALBANY - New York State United Teachers today congratulated 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 Tuesday.

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," said NYSUT President Melinda Person. "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."

Keough is an intricate part of myriad committees, including the Safety Team, Anti-Racism Building Leadership Team, School Comprehensive Improvement Plan, Yearbook, Teacher Mentor, and is co-president of the Parent Teacher Organization.

"Colleen embodies what it means to put students first," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone. "Her work shows us the power of creating lasting connections within her school community, and the bonds she's forged with students mean they return to visit her years or decades down the road. She is a shining beacon in education, and we are so lucky to have her teaching in New York."

Schenectady Federation of Teachers President Mike Silvestri said the SFT is proud to have Keough representing them in the role.

"Colleen Keough personifies a Schenectady educator," he said. "An expert in the whole child approach, she makes learning interesting and fun by making it personal to each and every one of her students. Beyond the classroom, Colleen can often be seen working late nights on special events for her students. She is an instructional leader who is always there to lend support to her fellow educators. Every person who has been a student or colleague of hers has been positively affected by her love of the profession."

NYSUT today 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 is a statewide union with nearly 700,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.

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