LaGuardia Community College Recognized by NACCTEP for Excellence in Teacher Education
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (December 9, 2025) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY’s Education Program has received a 2025–26 Exemplary Program Award from the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP). The program is part of the college’s Education and Language Acquisition Department and is led by Professor Caterina Almendral and Lecturer Michele A. de Goeas-Malone.
The award recognizes outstanding community college teacher education programs that demonstrate innovation, impact, and excellence in preparing future educators. The 2025-26 winners, including the University of Michigan, Dearborn, and Ozarka College in Arkansas, will be honored at the NACCTEP Pre-Conference at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) on February 19, 2026 in New Orleans.
“NACCTEP award recipients represent the best of community college teacher education—leaders, partners, faculty, and programs that lift students, strengthen pathways, and transform educator preparation across the nation,” said Julie Ferin, Executive Director of NACCTEP. “LaGuardia’s teacher education programs demonstrate clear pathways and practice-based learning for future teachers.”
“This honor reflects the dedication and excellence of our entire Education Program—program directors Michele and Caterina, fulltime and adjunct faculty, staff coordinating student fieldwork, and peer advisors,” said Dr. Arthur Lau, Professor and Chair of the Education and Language Acquisition Department. “Our students benefit from the team’s tireless and year-round support.”
LaGuardia’s Education Program serves almost 700 majors across four associate degree tracks—each requiring classroom observation or fieldwork in urban public schools, bridging theory and practice. Early Childhood (birth to grade two), Childhood Education (grades 1–6), Secondary Education (grades 7–12), and the Bilingual Child Program, which prepares heritage Spanish speakers to become bilingual teachers. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with nearly half of the student body identifying as Hispanic/Latino, LaGuardia attracts many students from Queens’ Spanish-speaking communities. A related degree option, TESOL/Linguistics, for students interested in teaching English as a new language in U.S. and international contexts, is not currently part of the Education Program, but will join in Fall 2026.
Most graduates transfer to four-year colleges to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. NYC Public School teachers are required to earn a master’s degree within five years of initial certification for permanent certification.
“I became a professor to expand access to high-quality education for all students,” said Dr. Almendral. “This award reflects the commitment and expertise of our Education Program team and partners.”
In March 2025, de Goeas-Malone was recognized by CUNY for her commitment to advancing teaching excellence and student success. She shared her journey from struggling in school to earning advanced degrees.
“Having someone believe I was ‘smart enough’ motivated me,” said de Goeas-Malone. “Once I saw I could succeed, I began to enjoy learning—something I try to instill in my students.”
Apply Now for Spring 2026! Applications are open for the Spring 2026 semester. Classes start March 4—secure your spot today.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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