This book traces the history of public support of teacher education from its European beginnings to present practices in the United States. It summarizes current programs and analyzes the impact that federal assistance has had on teacher education programs in selected institutions of higher education. Chapter 1 presents an historical overview of teacher education and the evolution of teacher training. In chapter 2 the chronology of federal intervention in education, the growth of land grant colleges, universities, and polytechnic institutes, and the recognition of the need for improved teacher education are examined. The reasons for the expansion of federal intervention in education are considered in chapter 3, including the impact of technological advances and sociological, judicial, and legislative developments, and responses of the federal, state, and local governments to changes in social attitudes and priorities. Selected federal programs originating in the 1960s are described, including the Teacher Corps, Experienced Teacher Fellowship Program, Education Professions Development Act, Career Opportunities Program, and Urban/Rural School Development Program. Chapter 4 reviews recent federal education programs and legislation, such as the Educational Personnel Development Act, teacher training programs, aid to populations with special needs, and vocational, adult, and career education programs. The success of selected federal projects in improving teacher education is examined in chapter 5. The final chapter looks at the present status of federal involvement in education and offers predictions for the future of federal aid for teacher education. (JD)