This essay tracks the history of teacher preparation, from its origins in the early republic to the present. In so doing, it tells two stories. The first is a story about problems--a linear story in which problems are discovered, potential solutions are generated, and positive results are achieved. It moves from the past to the future and from the…

Generalizations about problems and solutions facing teacher education are often oversimplified and misleading. Examinations of teacher supply and demand and teacher ability should consider local demand and content-area need. Teachers with content-area certification have stronger academic profiles than those with general certification. Raising…