Alyssa Keeley was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Keeley has intentionally created a classroom environment that fosters positivity, kindness, and connection, not just for the students she serves, but for their families, as well. Her approach to communication is open, consistent, and accessible. She stays in close contact with families through the ParentSquare app and sends home a monthly newsletter that highlights what students are learning, along with tips for how families can support learning at home. Within her classroom, Ms. Keeley has established a calm, supportive atmosphere where students feel safe and understood. One key feature is the Calm Corner, a dedicated space that is always open and available for any student in need of a moment to reset. The corner includes breathing techniques, stress-relief fidgets, coloring activities, yoga cards, noise-canceling headphones, and other tools to help students decompress and manage their emotions in a healthy way. Through her thoughtful communication, inclusive practices, and focus on social-emotional well-being, Ms. Keeley creates a classroom culture rooted in care, respect, and emotional growth. Her students know they are supported, both in and out of the classroom.
An amazing educator, coworker and friend. Being able to observe her work first hand as a student teacher and my daughter being in her class I couldn't begin to praise her more.
She looks out for all the needs of each individual student and strives to help them succeed.
Ms.Keeley is a amazing teacher and puts a lot of time patience and love into her students if anyone deserves this award it's definitely her
I have known Alyssa for over 20 years as classmates at Zanesville High School. She has always had a dream and dedication to teach our youth and make an impact for others and that desire has never changed or wavered. I had the privilege of being a guest reader to her class close to a decade ago when visiting my hometown and the environment was immediately welcoming. Even then, her students were attentive, engaged, and happy to be with her.
There is no educator more deserving of this award than Alyssa!
Mrs. Keeley is an amazing teacher and will go the extra mile to make sure that her students excel in her class, she has done wonders with our great grandson who started out with a lot of behavior issues and who is now one of the best behaved students in the class.
Tammy
Ms. Keeley is wonderful! Not only has she been there for my son as a teacher and role model, but she has open my son’s eyes up to be a leader, to be creative, and be open- minded. My son talks about her all the time and about how she is always willing to help out and keep things fun and interesting in her class.
Ms. Keeley is such an amazing teacher, she is so observant and is always trying to help in anyway she can! She has helped us so much with our son struggling, she knew he needed extra help and even sent packets home for us to help him! She is a blessing!
Alyssa goes above and beyond for not only her students, but for the entire school that she works for. She finds clothes, backpacks, shoes, and even helps with groceries. This year, when the world was uncertain about SNAP benefits, Alyssa went to social media to ask for donations to buy grocery items for her class of 18 students. The bags were filled to the brim to help those families with food insecurities.
I have known Alyssa for over 30 years. We have been friends since we met in 2nd grade, and she is an absolutely amazing person and she truly is a light that is needed in this world. Her kindness and optimism radiate from her infectious smile and she is so supportive to anyone who needs it. She is ALWAYS willing to help or donate time or money if she can to help the community as well as her friends and her school.
In my opinion, she is very deserving of this award because her heart is RARE. She does so much for so many and this would be an amazing opportunity for her to have the recognition of this amazing award so that others can see what an amazing human she truly is.
Alyssa, is an amazing educator. She is teaching in a very low socio-economic area in our community. She gives her students the love they need to achieve and do their best. Providing encouragement and support to children who struggle making them feel they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Alyssa never lets her students feel they are not capable, but gives them that extra boost of unconditional love they need to achieve.
Alyssa is the teacher every child deserves to have in the classroom. She cares so much for "her kiddos" and their families. Alyssa teaches her students using lesson plans but she also shows them by example how to be a wonderful kind person.
Her kindness is stellar in every situation!
I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Alyssa Keeley. She is a remarkable leader whose passion, dedication, and heart make a lasting impact on everyone she meets. What sets her apart is not just her skill, but the way she uplifts, inspires, and genuinely cares for those around her—especially the young children who look up to her.
Her leadership is rooted in compassion. She leads by example, creating an environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. She has an incredible ability to see potential in every child and every person she interacts with, nurturing their strengths and guiding them toward success. Through her patience, wisdom, and kindness, she instills confidence and joy, leaving a mark that will last a lifetime.
Beyond her work with children, she is a true asset to her entire community. She radiates positivity, offering support and encouragement to colleagues, families, and friends alike. Her presence makes people feel seen and appreciated, and her influence extends far beyond her immediate circle.
To describe her as simply a leader would be an understatement—she is a role model, a mentor, and a constant source of inspiration. Her dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others are qualities that set her apart and make her truly deserving of this honor.
Mrs. Keeley is one of the best teachers that I have ever had the opportunity of working with. She provides structure, discipline, while at the same time, makes students feel important and cared about!
WOW!
Work on work.
wow on wonder.
wash off worry.
Mrs. K's way!
building their confidence with the education!
Thank you Mrs.K!
Having worked with Ms. Keeley professionally in a non-school environment, she is the quintessential leader in and outside of the classroom. I first met her when she and I were part of a volunteer group that planned fundraiser events for a local nonprofit organization. I was amazed with her connections to new opportunities in the community and her thoroughness in her decision making. She knows how to use resources available to her, and her "lead by example" approach is contagious to everyone around her. I once had the privilege of coming to read to her students during their Right to Read week; I personally got to see how adored she was by the class. She is patient, respectful, and firm in boundaries. If every school, and every community, had an Alyssa Keeley, the world would be a much better place!
This is very inspiring to read. Recognizing the need and addressing it in a positive, proactive manner shows the true heart and strength as a leader for these children. Ms. Keeley is making a difference that will last a lifetime!
Mrs. Keeley's remarkable spirit is a shining example of dedication and kindness. I had the privilege of meeting her when I took on the role of custodian in her hall/classroom at the close of the last school year. Through our interactions and my observations of her relationships with others, I am confident that she is an exemplary recipient for this award. Her thorough preparations for the upcoming year have further solidified this belief. Here at ZGE she is a Life Changer!
Mrs Keeley made my daughter’s birthday 1st grade experience. Kindergarten was so hard, she was in trouble every single day. Something about Mrs Keeleys teaching style was a game changer. She was honor roll all 4 grading periods and was invited to a summer science program (her favorite subject)
She was my kindergarten teacher ten years ago, I still remember her. She was the sweetest, such a nice lady??
I honestly couldn't name a more deserving teacher. You go above and beyond and Zanesville is so lucky to have you. Congrats on the nomination. Thanks for all you do.
Alyssa, is a huge asset to ZCS. She understands the needs children need in the classroom. An ear to listen, a kind heart to lend, and respect in the classroom.
Mrs. Keeley, we're so grateful for the confidence you've instilled in our daughter during kindergarten. Your dedication to going above and beyond has made a significant impact, and we truly appreciate the fun and supportive learning environment you've created!
I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Life Changer Award than Alyssa. When my daughter was struggling at her school and not receiving the accommodations she needed for her autism diagnosis, Alyssa stepped in as an incredible advocate. She guided us through such a difficult time, and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her support. Beyond helping us personally, she shows so much care and dedication to every single one of her students. Her compassion and commitment truly make a difference in so many lives.
Alyssa is endlessly dedicated to the betterment of all children, not just those in her classroom, each year. She is a helper in her personal life as well as career life. She talks about her classroom kids, the kids she meets through volunteering, as well as those of her friends’ kids whom she loves just as fiercely, and of course, her own son. She is tireless in providing fun, engaging activities for son and encouraging his pursuit of his interests and passions as well as trying new things. She is always on a mission to spot and harness exciting learning opportunities to bring back to the kids in her life in order enrich their lives in knowledge as well as acceptance and encouragement. She is constantly furthering her own education to better serve the underserved and misunderstood kids, as well as those traditional students any teacher would welcome. She gives of her own time to also further the support and education of her peers all in an effort to bring everyone around her to greater heights alongside her. Truly, Alyssa’s passion for teaching, helping, and preparing young minds to succeed in life shines through in everything she does. It doesn’t take long talking to her to know she is where she is meant to be: teaching.
Alyssa is the perfect nominee for this honor. She is a mentor for new teachers, a math coach and a friend to all just. She is always going above and beyond for her students and the school district itself. She would not disappoint as your pick as Life Changer of the year.
This lady is such a blessing. She was my daughter‘s teacher and now my daughter is going into high school this year and she has a 4.0 student as well as most of her classes are CP classes. We appreciate everything you taught her daughter not late with education, but also with respect.
Alyssa is totally committed to her students and her profession. She has continued her education so she can be the best teacher she can be for her students. She is also devoted to her family, always involving her son Jameson in activities that provide live lessons to broaden his knowlage of life and the world around us. Alyssa is my daughter-in-law and I am so proud and happy that she is part of our family.
I may be a bit biased, but my wife is one of the most dedicated educators in our area, and I'd like to think, the entire nation . She has spent tireless hours making sure that her students have all of the things they need, including groceries. Early in her career, there was a power outage and she helped families fill their refrigerators when power came back on. She did similar things during COVID by filling grocery bags with school supplies, non-parishable food items, and notes for her students. She did her best to be the kindness that we all neesed when the world seemed crazy and scary.
This year, she applied for and received a grant from a local business for $100 that was to be spent on ANY items that she needed for her classroom. She decided to instead give what she could to the entire building and is going to give away nearly 50 backpacks - 20 of which she purchased with the grant money and the rest by finding people who were willing to donate to the giveaway. She plans to give these away at back to school night in the coming weeks.
She is always working, whether it be finishing classes for further education, training teachers as she serves as a math instructional coach, mentoring other teachers through the resident educator program, or volunteering for a local kids camp.She loves her job, her work family, and her students.
In addition to all of this, she is also the most attentive and caring mom to our 9 year old son. She teaches him, helps with homework, takes him to Jiu-Jitsu practice and on so many adventures.
She lives by the motto that her late mother instilled in her: "Pretty is as pretty does" which basically means to put good and kindness into the world and the world will give it back. My wife is the most selfless person I have ever met and she is truly deserving of this award.
Mrs. Keeley has always believed that teaching is never about her—it’s about the kids. From the very beginning, her top priority has been creating a safe, supportive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Her classroom has always been a place where learning goes beyond textbooks, where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and believe in themselves. Mrs. Keeley’s true goal has always been to make sure her students not only understand what she teaches but also carry that knowledge with confidence, knowing they matter every step of the way.
Alyssa creates such a warm and welcoming environment in the classroom, which was especially impactful as her class was my son’s first experience with school. It's clear she pours her heart into teaching, genuinely caring about her students' well-being and growth, extending her influence far beyond the classroom walls and truly impacting lives. Even after my son moved on from her class, her support never wavered. She continues to be a constant source of encouragement and a cornerstone of his education. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication!
Ms.Keeley is a teacher that any student would be lucky to have. She taught my son this past school year and she did a wonderful job. I actually requested for my son to be moved and put in her class before the year even started. It was nothing against the other teacher, she is great as well, but there’s something different about Ms. Keeley. She has a way of being stern with the students while also showing them so much love and attention. The kids have fun in her class, she is very organized and gives back a lot to her students. My son loved going to school everyday and learned so much. I am very appreciative of her!
Mrs. Keeley made such a difference with our oldest daughter, Eloise. She was so patient with her, communicated so well with us about any issues or progress, & was always willing to meet & come up with a plan. Eloise LOVES Mrs. Keeley, she still asks about her all the time (it’s been over a year since she was her teacher). I still message her randomly with questions & she’s always so quick & happy to help!
I know of very few teachers as dedicated to not only teaching the children she comes in contact with, but also working to lift them up to be better people. She understands that aspect of their lives can’t start too soon. Alyssa was raised by her mother to understand that all people need elevated and respected to become better people. She worries about her kids over the summer. She knows it’s a tough world out there. I know these things about her because I’m her adopted Dad. I’m very proud of her.
Alyssa is definitely a Life Changer for those of us lucky enough to know her. She is the teacher every child needs and deserves and the family member/friend that doesn't hesitate to help others. She deserves this recognition and so much more.
One of the best teachers and mentors I know! She pours everything she has into her gift of teaching. She pours that gift into her son, her students, and her coworkers. I'm proud to work alongside one of Zane Grey's Finest!
Mrs. Keeley was my daughter’s 1st grade teacher. I will never forget that year, they learned so much about Axolotls that my daughter became obsessed with them and it became her dream pet. The classroom created a book with their own page to write and draw all about Axolotls. My daughter did get a real Axolotl and named him Mango. Mrs. Keeley always greeted me and let me know about Amierah’s day and what they had learned. Her smile and joy for teaching definitely shines through, down to her classroom decorations and awesome door decor. She is a true definition of a treasured teacher. Every day when school lets out my daughter goes up to Mrs. Keeley and gives her the biggest hug. Amierah is now going in to 4th grade, Mrs. Keeley is still her favorite!
