This book includes the observations of educational leaders and classroom teachers within religious institutions recognized as pioneers in implementing a teacher preparation model that has prepared thousands of Catholic school teachers nationwide. It is based on a study that interviewed 60 women religious belonging to 12 religious institutions that had been founded to teach as their major work. The research focused on portraying the cumulative experiences of a model of teacher education that was operative between the 1920s and 1970s. Chapter 1, "Why Focus on Teacher Education?" discusses the need for educational reform through better prepared teachers. Chapter 2, "The Story of Teacher Preparation in Religious Institutes," reviews the design used by women teaching in religious institutions to accomplish their apostolic work. Chapter 3, "Memories of Teacher Education," describes memories of being prepared to teach, noting gains and losses of the newer educational programs. Chapter 4, "Characteristics of the Leaders," notes the principal characteristics of women responsible for shaping teacher education in their religious institutions. Chapter 5, "Adapting to Change," chronicles the challenges of dealing with major changes. Chapter 6, "The Legacy," addresses the legacy of the sister-teachers. Research data are appended. (Contains 85 references.) (SM)