Creteau Tech criminal justice teacher a likely suspect for Teacher of Year

Creteau Tech criminal justice teacher Jay Keough (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - A Spaulding High School teacher is a finalist for 2021 Teacher of the Year, Rochester Schools announced today.
The New Hampshire Department of Education names a Teacher of the Year annually to honor the engaging and impactful work done by educators throughout the state. The Teacher of the Year represents and honors all the excellent educators in the state.
Jay Keough, who teaches criminal justice at the R.W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, is one of three finalists being considered for the honor this year, who were selected from a group of 30 nominees selected in June.
"I'm incredibly honored to be named a finalist for Teacher of the Year," Keough said. "I'm lucky to work in a field that helps students explore future career opportunities in a hands-on way, and to have such a strong and supportive community here in Rochester. This is a reflection of the incredible work that all the staff and students in the district have done and will continue to do."
Keough began teaching criminal justice at the R.W. Creteau Regional Technology Center in August 2016. Prior to that, he served as a police officer for the United States Air Force for 21 years.
"Jay has shown incredible talent and skill working with students in his criminal justice classes," Creteau Tech Director Michele Halligan-Foley said. "He's developed a reputation as a thoughtful, engaging teacher and made himself a highly respected member of our team. This recognition is well-deserved and I couldn't be more proud to see him named as a finalist."
"Jay has proven himself to be a dedicated educator, using innovative and creative approaches for his lessons," added Superintendent Kyle Repucci. "Students are given incredible insight into the criminal justice field in class in a way that is both educational and engaging. We're so proud of his accomplishments and to have him on our team."
The 2021 Teacher of the Year will be announced later this fall. That individual will represent New Hampshire in the National Teacher of the Year program, and will be honored at the NHDOE's annual Celebrating Leadership in Education Awards.