This paper suggests a model for the preparation of social studies teachers based on the writings of sociologist C. Wright Mills. In 1961 Mills stated that the purpose of social inquiry should be to help people understand the connection of their personal lives to the social structure, the institutional arrangements of society. Based on this statement, the author's model emphasizes the concept that every aspect of a social studies program should demonstrate to students how their lives relate to society. This Mills-based model (MBM) is described as preferable to the popular competency-based teacher education (CBTE) approach. The bulk of the paper critiques common CBTE components and describes a methods course which implements the MBM. One particularly successful element of the MBM course explores the public relations and corporate structure of McDonalds, the hamburger empire, in a way which can be relevant to teachers and children alike. (AV)