A Joyful Journey to Purposeful, Practical, and Strategic Teaching
Presented by the 2025 NYS Teacher of the Year, Colleen Keough
Begin the school year with an inspiring event led by the 2025 New York State Teacher of the Year, Colleen Keough, as she shares her powerful journey working in a high-needs school community. Through heartfelt storytelling and practical insight, she will highlight how she fosters literacy, joy, and connects with students and families by designing inclusive, impactful programs that celebrate student voices and cultures.
This session will explore the importance of authentic collaboration with colleagues, the role of community-driven initiatives, and the transformative power of Literacy woven into every aspect of her teaching.
Whether attending in-person or virtually, participants will leave with:
an energized sense of purpose
practical strategies to bring joy into their classrooms
a deeper understanding of how Literacy can serve as a foundation for equity, empowerment, and engagement in all learning environments
FORMAT: Hybrid, In-person and synchronous online learning
DATE: Tuesday, 10/7/2025
TIME: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Site TBD
FACILITATOR: Colleen Keough, 2025 NYS Teacher of the Year and 2nd Grade Teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, Schenectady City Schools
ACARC CONTACT: Pegeen Jensen and Abby Ferris; acarcny@gmail.com
FEE: $10 for each ACARC event (credit towards ACARC membership if you join at a later date) OR $30 for all events during the 25-26 school year ($30 for ACARC yearly membership).
*ACARC membership includes:
Attendance at other Virtual & Hybrid ACARC PD events throughout the year.
A yearly membership to ACARC and the New York State Reading Association (NYSRA).
A discounted rate at the annual NYSRA Conference in November.
CTLE HOURS: 1.5
REGISTRATION: https://tinyurl.com/ACARC25
Are you interested in expanding your literacy circle and connecting with educators outside of your school community? The Albany City Area Reading Council (ACARC) is a professional, nonprofit organization for educators in the Capital Region, dedicated to improving literacy instruction and opportunities for all children and adults. ACARC is an affiliate of the International Literacy Association & the New York State Reading Association. Membership in ACARC includes membership in NYSRA. To become an ACARC member, go to the NYSRA website. To register, click on Memberships > Regional Directors and Local Councils > Albany City Area Reading Council. The cost is $30. For further information, please contact us at acarcny@gmail.com.