This paper outlines a specific distance education solution to a condition of teacher shortage involving the collaboration of two major institutions of higher education in two countries: the Open University of the United Kingdom and the California State University System of California, United States. The paper explores global challenges facing teacher educators in preparing teachers for the 21st century and specifically addresses the potential of new models of distance education in providing solutions. The Open University's model and principles for supporting open learning in teacher preparation are outlined, and the California State University program that resulted from the collaboration is described. The paper also discusses the process of collaboration and potential for adapting the Open University's model in other cultural contexts, and it identifies areas for ongoing evaluation enabling international comparisons. (Author/SM)