COUSD Employee Spotlight:
William Keilty, Teacher and Coach
Part of what makes Charter Oak Unified School District (COUSD) unique is its legacy of service from alums. When students graduate, they often return, bringing their gifts to help lead the next generation.
William (Bill) Keilty is one such example. This year, he celebrates his 50th anniversary at Charter Oak High School, a milestone that speaks volumes about his commitment to and love for teaching.
Bill’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. After graduating from Charter Oak High School in 1970, he returned to COUSD as a student teacher in 1974. From that day forward, he never looked back. His tenure at the school has seen him wear many hats: Teacher of Geography, Civics, American Problems, U.S. History, Science, Adaptive Physical Education, and more. He also coached basketball, football, and cross country. Bill happily agreed to teach whatever was needed at the time as long as it meant that he could support COUSD.
One of the most surreal moments in his life came when he transitioned from being a student to teaching alongside his former teachers and coaches. “I had so much respect for my coaches and teachers that it was an honor to come and stand alongside them as a peer,” said Bill. “I also have had the opportunity to see many of my students return to the school district as staff and teachers and dedicate their lives to education. These full-circle touchstones inspire me to keep going.”
At 72, Bill shows no signs of slowing down. In his current role, he teaches Physical Education 1 and Weight Training, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, nutrition, and stress management. Remarkably, he still gets on the floor to do pushups with his classes and often outlasts many on the mat. His enthusiasm for helping students build confidence and resilience is as strong as ever.
“Sports teach discipline, camaraderie, cohesiveness, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another,” he says, highlighting the life skills that sports impart. For Bill, these lessons are invaluable and extend far beyond the playing field.
Bill says that Charter Oak is more than just a job—it is about serving a community—a community in which he has lived all his life and raised his kids. He enjoys the close-knit nature of Charter Oak, running into his former students and athletes and hearing about their lives, especially when his lessons may have impacted their development.
As Bill celebrates this significant anniversary, the school community joins in honoring a man whose dedication, passion, and kindness have left an indelible mark on countless lives. His legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.