The experiences gained in developing a competency based teacher education program (CBTE) for secondary social studies are related in this speech. The program originated from the following needs: to revamp the traditional education program; to develop an experiential base reflecting the realities of public schools; to examine various models of teacher education; and to specify more precisely the outcomes sought. The results of the program thus far are described as constituting a first step toward a final CBTE program. The bases for the program were a Concerns Model, a setting appropriate for teacher education, the allowing of education students into schools as soon as possible, and the specifying of performances sought in measurable terms. It is admitted that performance objectives, but not genuine competencies, have been specified. An external monitoring or evaluative scheme was not implemented at the inception of the program, although data collected does reveal patterns in the areas of student performances, attrition rate, and placement success. Critical problems which remain are identifying and specifying competencies and assessment procedures, counseling and screening functions, developing a positive self-concept to deal with values in the social studies, and placement in public schools for student teaching. References are included. (Author/KSM)