The birth of the two-year colleges created a demand for teachers which was filled largely by instructors from the high schools and by people fresh from graduate school. Teaching methods were shaped in large part by the needs of the students. Techniques were used before there were phrases to identify them or theory to explain them. The student population of the two-year colleges has remained diverse. In the future, those teaching writing in the two-year institutions must become more vocal, demanding more money, better working conditions, and more full-time teachers. As technology continues to evolve, the two-year colleges must keep pace. Faculty at the two-year institutions should not rely on those at the four-year colleges to develop theory. Bright, enthusiastic students should be encouraged to enter the two-year college teaching field. There must be more preparation for teaching in the two-year institutions, through emphasis on basic writing and reading skills, ethnic diversity, business and technical writing, etc. While two-year colleges enroll over half of all first-time freshmen each fall, the institutions still lack the influence they should have in the educational establishment. (SG)