In the Austin College (Texas) Teacher Program, a five-year program of study is required before students obtain a teaching certificate and a master's degree. A liberal arts program is emphasized, and students are provided with a public school classroom teaching assignment as an intern or student teacher, for at least 4 to 5 months, at the graduate level. Students take three non-credit educational labs during their first 3 years. This lab work exposes them early and extensively to classroom teaching in order to help them decide if a teaching career is their vocation. Students are heavily involved in a field-based teacher education program that permits them to acquire the necessary skills to be a competent teacher. At the same time, they develop a close relationship with supervising teachers in their assigned schools. Public schools in the area are committed to assist the college to prepare high quality teachers. (JD)