A discussion is presented of the philosophy undergirding the 5-year teacher education program at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. In this program, students can earn a baccalaureate degree from the university and a Master of Teaching degree from the Curry School. The program seeks to produce teachers who are effective decision makers who can make appropriate, consistent, and defensible decisions about student achievement and learning outcomes, and are technically competent as well as questioning, critical, and reflective educators. Throughout the program, students examine thier own characteristics and motives for teaching, investigate various educational philosophies, and look at professional issues of teaching in general and for themselves. The early focus of the program is on child development, learning, and the exceptional child. The prospective teachers have a long-term tutoring relationship with a pupil in a local school as a part of their field work. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to develop a professional identity, refine lesson delivery skills, and learn concepts of professional behavior, judgment, and responsibility. (JD)