Schenectady teacher named NYS Teacher of the Year

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local teacher was recognized for her education, passion, and commitment to education. Schenectady's Colleen Keough was named the 2025 New York State Teacher of the Year.

Keough has spent the entirety of her 16-year teaching career with the district and is currently a second grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School. She said she is hoping to use her platform to advocate for her students' needs.

"Schools are underfunded, and I want to use this platform for things that the students need," she said. "Just because of where they live shouldn't determine the services they get. If they need something, they should have it. "

Keough will serve as the state's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year program. A winner will be announced in the spring.