Portland, Ore. — Warner Pacific University is pleased to announce that Dr. Kevin Spooner, Associate Dean of Education and a member of the Center for Teaching and Learning, has been selected as a 2025–2026 award recipient by the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP).
The award recognizes Dr. Spooner’s leadership, teaching excellence, and significant contributions to advancing teacher education through sustained partnerships with community college programs. NACCTEP’s annual awards honor educators and leaders across the country whose work strengthens pathways into the teaching profession, expands access, and supports equity in educator preparation.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Dr. Spooner. “I am especially grateful to NACCTEP for their continued support of our Teacher Preparation Program at Warner Pacific, as well as our partnerships with community college programs in our area. This work is vital to the success of our teacher candidates.”
In his role at Warner Pacific University, Dr. Spooner has been instrumental in supporting aspiring educators by building and strengthening collaborative pathways between community colleges and four-year institutions. His work emphasizes academic quality, mentorship, and access—ensuring that teacher candidates are well prepared to serve diverse classrooms and communities.
Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, shared her appreciation for the recognition:
“Dr. Spooner’s unwavering dedication to excellence establishes the standard for us all. In education, it begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau. We are blessed to have such a dedicated faculty member among us here at Warner Pacific University.”
NACCTEP announced its 2025–2026 award recipients in November and will formally recognize honorees during the organization’s pre-conference at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) conference in February 2026.
Warner Pacific University congratulates Dr. Spooner on this well-deserved honor and celebrates his continued contribution to preparing the next generation of educators through leadership, collaboration, and service.