This article examines the need for preparing highly qualified teachers and the challenge of preparing future generations of citizens. Examining the historical antecedents of "highly qualified," beginning with the 1954 "Brown" decision, I ground my position on the role of schools and colleges of education in preparing educators for a changing society. I examine teacher shortages, federal policy implications, concerns for teaching as a profession, and the need for redoubling efforts to guarantee that every child in America will be taught by highly qualified, certified, competent, caring teachers.