PROTEACH is a newly redesigned five-year preservice teacher preparation program at the University of Florida. During progress through the program, the bachelor's degree is obtained, and the program culminates on completion of the master's degree. Program features include emphasis on research and study in fields supplementary to education-related…

The trend toward expanding the normal four-year teacher education program into a fifth year is discussed, and the University of Kansas extended program is described. A major criticism of the Kansas program was that a better analysis of educational needs should have preceded implementation of the lengthened teacher education program. (PP)

Issues that dominate debate about teacher education--teacher supply and demand, quality of college programs, and academic standards--may not be at the heart of the problem. The author argues for extended teacher education programs and increased public support for teacher salaries and college programs. (PP)