Civic engagement draws on the concepts of American democratic ideals such that society's interests are promulgated through the education of its citizenry. Ideas come to fruition in the form of community action, voting, involvement in the political process, and public discourse for promoting the commonwealth. Engendering in youth the commitment to the greater good and the necessity for participation are recognized as core principles within education. These civic lessons are also essential in preparing teachers to address contemporary educational problems. Through the author's experiences in higher education, she has noted three reasons that prospective university students enroll in teacher education. First, they are passionate about the subject matter and find personal gratification in exploring new ideas relevant to content, such as social studies. Second, preservice teachers love children and find the newness, curiosity, and developing minds of their students fascinating. The third reason for pursuing education is one of uncertainty. Examining these motives reveals a shared rationale, a desire to do something outside their current sphere of influence. This core belief is at the heart of a participatory democracy creating a natural merger between teacher education and civic engagement supported by the undergirding principals of social justice and equity.