PRESS RELEASE

NACCTEP Announces the 2025–2026 Award Recipients

Celebrating excellence, innovation, and the powerful impact of community college teacher education 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP) is pleased to announce the 2025–2026 NACCTEP Award Recipients, a truly extraordinary group of leaders, faculty, programs, and partners who are shaping the future of educator preparation nationwide. 

Exemplary Partner Award Recipients 

This award recognizes partners who have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and support for community college teacher education programs. Honorees are celebrated for their commitment to building strong pathways for future educators and advancing the mission of teacher education. 

Raritan Valley Community College & Manville Public Schools 

Dr. Jamil Maroun & Ms. Kelli Eppley 

New Jersey 

St. Vrain Valley School District, Red Rocks Community College, Northeastern Junior College & University of Colorado-Denver 

Dr. David Baker & Dana Curton → Jenning Prevatte & Celeste Delgado-Pelton → 

Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dr. Cindy Gutierrez & Dr. Margarita Bianco 

Colorado 

Leader Award Recipients 

This award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding leadership in community college teacher education programs. Honorees are celebrated for their vision, dedication, and contributions to shaping the future of teacher education and advancing the role of community colleges in educator preparation. 

Dr. Steve Bautista ~ Santa Ana College, California 

Yolanda Medina ~ Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York 

Dr. Cecelia Monto ~ NACCTEP, Oregon 

Full-Time Faculty Award Recipient 

This award honors full-time faculty members in community college teacher education programs who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their students and the field. Awardees are recognized for their leadership, teaching excellence, and contributions to advancing teacher education. 

Dr. Kevin Spooner ~ Warner Pacific University, Oregon 

Dr. Tawn Hauptli ~ Mesa Community College, Arizona 

Adjunct Faculty Award Recipient 

This award celebrates adjunct faculty members who have made significant contributions to teacher education at community colleges. Recipients of this award are recognized for their dedication to student success, innovative teaching practices, and leadership in the classroom. 

Dr. Karen Young ~ Schoolcraft College, Michigan 

Dr. Anita Peterson ~ Raritan Valley Community College, New Jersey 

Exemplary Program Award Recipient 

This award honors outstanding community college teacher education programs that demonstrate innovation, impact, and excellence in preparing future educators. Awardees exemplify best practices in fostering student success, collaboration, and professional development in teacher education. 

 LaGuardia Community College, New York

University of Michigan, Dearborn, Michigan 

Ozarka College, Arkansas 

Clark College, Washington

A Celebration of Excellence Across the Nation 

These awardees remind us why NACCTEP exists and why our work matters. They represent community colleges at their best, innovating, partnering boldly, and lifting students toward their futures. 

We congratulate each recipient and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the upcoming NACCTEP Pre-Conference at AACTE and in our national communications throughout the year. 

Together, we are stronger. Together, we lead. Together, we elevate the profession. 

For questions or media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Ferin, Executive Director, NACCTEP

julie.ferin@riosalado.edu