A classroom presents the perfect opportunity for teachers and teacher educators to perpetuate the all-encompassing idea of democracy. A democratic classroom requires of all its participants that they welcome joint decision-making, be committed to a dynamic common good, have the necessary skills, be open to other points of view, be committed to democratic ideals, and be ready to take risks. In theory and practice, democratic classroom communities operate on a continuum with different degrees of democracy. Certain instructional strategies support authentic experiences in the teacher education classroom: (1) partnership with public schools, such as professional development schools; (2) use of case studies; (3) democratic practices in student opportunities for self-assessment and choice; (4) cooperative learning and conflict resolution; and (5) service-related field experiences. As students progress through the teacher education program, they would continue to work in a variety of cooperative learning situations and to have several role models to observe. Preservice teachers are urged "to care, to give, and to serve," thereby actively participating in democracy and its ideals. (JLS)