The professional preparation of teachers is essential because of their critical role in developing students' learning. Preparing quality teachers is a complex process, as they matriculate through the programs that prepare them for the classroom. The problem addressed by this study is teachers' lack of effective strategies and skills in facilitating learning. Teachers often feel like their experiences in their teacher prep programs have not fulfilled the goal of preparing them for teaching. With this idea in mind, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the teacher education program at Virginia State University based on the standards of NCATE that recognize the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions expected of educational professionals, as well as the organizational structures, policies, and procedures provided by the institution to support teachers in meeting the standards. The researcher also examined how teachers who completed the teacher education program of VSU perceive the program in relation to NCATE standards. In addition, the perceptions of the teachers were also explored on the necessary knowledge and skills of effective instructors and the program's effectiveness in having teachers acquire these skills. To achieve the purpose of the study, content analysis was employed on the interviews with 21 VSU teachers in elementary education to gather their perceptions and experiences on the teacher education program at VSU. Upon the coding of interviews, themes were then established, which were all aimed to directly address the following research questions: (1) How do teachers who completed the teacher education program at VSU perceive it in relation to NCATE standards? (2) What are the aspects/attributes of the VSU program that are more or less effective than others? (3)What are the effects of the teacher education program at VSU on teachers' classroom competency? The perceptions of the teachers found that, indeed, the VSU follows the guidelines of the NCATE standards. A majority of the participants of the study also believed that their educational program at VSU provided them with the needed effectiveness and competency that teachers should embody. Based on the findings, the researcher was able to discover how VSU is a doing an excellent job in training and developing their teachers. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]