MESA, Ariz. – Feb. 20, 2025 – Mesa Community College (MCC) Education and Reading Studies faculty, Tawn Hauptli, Ed.D.,  was selected as a 2025-2026 National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP) Full-Time Faculty Award Recipient. This national honor, which she accepted during the 2026 NACCTEP Pre-Conference on Feb. 19 in New Orleans, LA, recognizes her sustained commitment to preparing future educators and strengthening the education community through teaching, service and leadership.

For more than two decades Hauptli has been deeply engaged in teacher preparation–mentoring preservice educators, advancing equity-focused practice and building strong partnerships with local schools and professional organizations. Her service also includes national-level leadership through her work on the NACCTEP Board. 

“I am honored to receive this award. My work at Mesa Community College has been guided by a simple belief that when we invest in future educators, we strengthen entire communities” shared Hauptli. “This recognition reflects not only my efforts, but the collaboration, trust and shared commitment of my colleagues and our students.”  

In addition to her classroom teaching,  Hauptli advises the MCC Educators Rising Club, supports professional development for future teachers, continues to promote the mission and vision of NACCTEP and contributes to statewide and national conversations on educator preparation. For more information about the MCC K-12 Education program visit mesacc.edu/departments/education-reading/k-12-education. 

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.