MCC education, reading studies teacher earns national award

Tawn Hauptli, Mesa Community College education and reading studies teacher, was selected as a 2025-26 National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs Full-Time Faculty Award recipient.

This national honor, which she accepted during the 2026 NACCTEP Pre-Conference on Feb. 19 in New Orleans, Louisiana, recognizes her sustained commitment to preparing future educators and strengthening the education community through teaching, service and leadership, according to a release.

For more than two decades Hauptli has been 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” Hauptli said. “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 information about the MCC K-12 Education program, go to https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/education-reading/k-12-education.