2025-2026 NACCTEP Award Winners

I was able to make a connection in the Manville district with their current Superintendent, Dr. Jamil Maroun-a risk taker and innovator-who was immediately interested in supporting preservice teachers' growth and development as a partner. Since then, I've told the students, "Manville rolls out the red carpet for you like no other district has ever done or does!" They've hosted on-site orientations to the district and are given official school IDs for all EDUC 230 Field Experience students so that they can get acclimated to the district.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Steve Bautista has demonstrated exceptional leadership through innovative program development, strategic partnerships, and influential contributions to teacher education policy and practice at the community college, regional, and national levels. As Faculty Program Coordinator for the Center for Teacher Education at Santa Ana College (SAC), Steve has developed and sustained one of California’s successful community college teacher preparation programs. His visionary leadership transformed the Center into a comprehensive model that integrates academic guidance, counseling, mentoring, and transfer support for aspiring K–12 teachers. 

Dr. Monto inspires those around her to reach further, whether it is attending state-level meetings traditionally reserved for university leaders, stepping forward to participate in panel discussions as a community college dean among university deans, or offering guidance to colleagues and organizational members on best practices for grant writing. Her dedication extends beyond improving teacher training at the community college level. Dr. Monto’s vision is to strengthen education for all students, pre-service and in-service teachers, community college leaders, and university leaders worldwide.  Through her tireless efforts, Dr. Monto has elevated the role of community colleges in educator preparation both locally and nationally. Her contributions have influenced policy, strengthened partnerships with K–12 schools and universities, and inspired countless students and colleagues.

Dr. Hauptli has shaped and inspired future educators through her dedication to academic rigor, civic engagement, equity, and innovation. Her leadership extends across institutional, regional, and national levels. Her long-standing collaboration with MCC’s Center for Community & Civic Engagement ensures that Early Childhood and K–12 Education students participate in meaningful field experiences in Mesa Public Schools. As the long-serving Educators Rising advisor, Dr. Hauptli continues to create transformative opportunities for future educators. Her mentorship supports students in developing professional confidence, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to equity and educational excellence.  Across all her work—as an educator, mentor, organizer, collaborator, and advocate—Dr. Tawn Hauptli consistently demonstrates the highest level of commitment to advancing teacher education.

Dr. Anita Petersen has been an adjunct for the Early Childhood Education and Education P-12 programs at Raritan Valley Community College for almost 20 years. Recently, Dr. Petersen took it upon herself to revamp ECHD 290 Early Childhood Co-op, and this resulted in this course being moved from a per-student faculty pay scenario to a three-credit course for the faculty who teach it. No matter the work load that Dr. Petersen is managing, she never fails to offer love and guidance.

The University of Michigan–Dearborn’s Department of Education offers a forward-thinking Educator Preparation Program designed to develop caring and reflective teachers with strong pedagogical content knowledge. Central to this mission is our 2 + 2 partnerships with community colleges.  Recognizing that aspiring educators in rural areas face geographic and economic barriers, UM–Dearborn enables students to complete their upper-division coursework online, from their own communities as well as the Michigan Department of Education’s required 600 clinical hours. The Department of Education at UM-Dearborn, in collaboration with community colleges, is cultivating a more sustainable, place-based “grow-your-own” teacher pipeline. This 2 + 2 model empowers local residents to train as teachers without uprooting their lives, thereby supporting retention in high-need areas of Michigan.

Clark College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) is innovative and highly impactful for Clark County and the surrounding community. The region has a shortage of qualified teachers in Special Education and Bilingual Education, and this program directly addresses this community need. BASTE at Clark College also directly supports local school districts’ needs by preparing graduates who are certificated and endorsed in local shortage areas. The program is also exemplary in its engagement with numerous new initiatives and deep commitment to a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion framework in Teacher Education. BASTE faculty successfully applied for and received a grant from the Clark College Foundation to expand and enhance the Since Time Immemorial curriculum across courses in the program, which fosters greater understanding of tribal history. The BASTE team is also currently participating in the BUILD program through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) at Clark College. These examples underscore the commitment and innovation to Teacher Education at Clark College that promotes inclusion and social justice.

The collaboration between CU Denver, St. Vrain Valley School District, Red Rocks Community College, and Northeastern Junior College is a powerful example of what happens when partners commit to breaking down barriers and building intentional, student-centered pathways into teaching.  The partners recognized that the solution had to start early, long before students reached college, and continue with consistent support all the way through degree completion and teacher licensure. 

Professor Medina worked to create a mission statement for the Teacher Education Department - a mission of social justice for education. This thread was woven within all three education programs (Early Childhood, Childhood/Bilingual Childhood, Secondary Education) including, student learning outcomes, course resources, and activities. As an urban community college creating a program that the students can see their own identities reflected back supports our students success and transition into the field of education. Additionally, Prof. Medina added new programs of study - a childhood and bilingual childhood special education program as well as a bilingual early childhood concentration. 

Dr. Kevin Spooner has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Warner Pacific University through his tenure, and especially in his efforts to submit and execute a federal Hawkins grant supporting bilingual and SPED teachers in Oregon, entitled Adelante: Advancing Teacher Education in Bilingual Education and Special Education, built to provide institutional and student support.  In his curriculum development Dr. Spooner built content that promotes excellence in teaching. Dr. Spooner worked tirelessly to gain support from institutions in the region, and the grant is founded on strong partnerships with community colleges, school districts, the State of Oregon Educator Advancement Council, and the Department of Education. 

Dr. Karen Young has taught within Schoolcraft College's Alternative Route to Teacher Certification (ARC) since May of 2017.  It was her role to develop the ARC program further, including developing a mentorship model, supporting mentors and college instructional coaches, aligning the program for accreditation, and eventually redesigning the entire program to meet the state of Michigan's new grade band standards. Dr. Young moved into the position of Associate Dean of Education in 2023. Before and during my time as AD, she worked on creating numerous partnerships with K-12 schools throughout Michigan as well as partnerships with 4-year Universities to broaden the education department's impact. Every ARC student that has been through the program (over 300), has had Dr. Young as an instructor including the first 2 students who began the program in 2016.  It is Dr. Young's mission to provide beginning teachers with robust training, mentoring and resources aiming to provide stability in the teaching workforce while removing barriers.

LaGuardia Community College’s renewed growth in its teacher preparation programs after a period of decline, enrollment has rebounded, signaling both increased interest in the teaching profession and confidence in LaGuardia’s approach to educator training.

A key factor behind this success is the extraordinary linguistic and cultural diversity of the student body, which closely mirrors the population of Queens.  LaGuardia’s programs draw directly from this rich community, creating a pipeline of future educators who bring authentic multilingual and multicultural perspectives into the classroom.

The Associate of Science in Education (ASE) program at Ozarka College is innovative in its intentional design as a seamless bridge from community college to university-level teacher preparation. By embedding foundational coursework in education alongside transferable general education requirements, the program ensures that students save both time and money while remaining fully aligned with four-year degree expectations. The program’s impact is far-reaching. It not only addresses the statewide and national shortage of qualified teachers but also empowers students from rural and underserved communities to pursue teaching careers without leaving their home region. Many ASE graduates are first-generation college students, and the program’s accessible structure, affordability, and strong advising have contributed to increased persistence and transfer rates. Partnerships with regional school districts further enhance impact by creating a steady pipeline of future educators who are already rooted in and committed to the communities they will one day serve. Through its innovative design, community-centered impact, and proven record of success, the Associate of Science in Education program exemplifies Ozarka College’s mission to prepare the next generation of teachers who will inspire, lead, and shape the future of education.