Teachers today are expected to meet the diverse needs of all of their students and know an array of instructional methods, which requires continual professional development (Darling-Hammond 1998). Darling-Hammond (1998, 7) stated that the "strongest predictor of student achievement is the percentage of well-qualified teachers in a school, district, or state." As the author learned many years ago, a teacher education program establishes the foundations that will continue to be built upon through teaching and professional development opportunities. Reflecting on what educators can do to minimize difficult experiences and to help all of their students succeed, the author offers suggestions for building on the foundations established by teacher education programs. By building on skills learned in teacher education programs, new teachers become better prepared to have an influence on student achievement--and veteran teachers can help.