Recognizing New York State Teacher of the Year Colleen Keough

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual who exemplifies the best of New York's capital region, a leader and educator whose commitment to her students has changed lives for the better. That individual is Ms. Colleen Keough, a second grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School in Schenectady who earlier this month was recognized by the New York Board of Regents as the New York State Teacher of the Year.

In 16 years with the Schenectady City School District, including 13 at Hamilton Elementary, Ms. Keough has been a relentless champion for her students in the classroom and beyond. She has made her classroom a safe, fun, and supportive place for every student to learn, and she has helped build community with students' families through the monthly PTO events she started with a colleague.

A teacher is someone who drives students' academic progress, but a great teacher is so much more. Colleen Keough is one of those great teachers. I thank Ms. Keough and congratulate her again. Her heart, her leadership, and her dedication serve as an inspiration to her students and to us all. She has enabled her students to discover their gifts, their abilities, and their passions. We thank her.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source