Capital Region Teacher Honored as 2025 NY State Teacher of the Year

A teacher in the Capital Region has received New York's highest honor for teachers.

As reported by News 10 and other outlets, Schenectady’s Colleen Keough was named the 2025 New York State Teacher of the Year. Keough is currently a second grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School.

Per the New York State Education Department, [e]ach year, New York awards this honor to an educator whose extraordinary passion for teaching, engagement with the community, and positive impact on their students’ lives deserves special recognition.

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Keough has spent her entire 16-year tenure as a teacher in the Schenectady City School District. She began as a first grade teacher at Paige Elementary School on Elliott Avenue, before moving to Hamilton Elementary School on Webster Street.

READ MORE: These are the Capital Region’s Ten Best Public High Schools in 2024

As New York's Teacher of the Year, Keough is also the state’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year. A winner of that award will be announced in the spring.

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) put together this video package to highlight Colleen Keough for her achievement:

Here were a few of the quotes shared by executive members of the New York State Education Department about this year's winner:

• "Ms. Keough is an outstanding educator and a tremendous leader within Hamilton Elementary School and the greater community it serves." - Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr.
• "Colleen always makes her students feel safe and supported; ensures that their physical, emotional, and academic needs are met.." - Commissioner Betty A. Rosa
• "Her infectious joy and dedication to her students create ripple effects far beyond the borders of her school building." - NYSUT President Melinda Person
• "Her work shows us the power of creating lasting connections within her school community." - NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone

Congratulations to Colleen Keough on her incredible accomplishment, and good luck to all Capital Region teachers as the new school year begins!