"Once discipline is established, there's a lot that can be taught," he says. "The most knowledgeable teachers may have the worst classroom environment because they don't have the personal skills."

Still, a major feature of Harvard's UTEP is its emphasis on subject competency. Most students seek certification from UTEP in their concentration. However someone who wishes to be certified in a field other than their concentration must take seven half-courses in the field.

Another unique aspect of Harvard's teacher training program is its treatment of the all-critical first year after graduation, known as the induction year, says Edward P. Droge, a UTEP advisor who monitors new teachers' progress. Harvard's program is designed to provide support during that crucial year. "We do not want to just let them go and say good luck. It separates us from the pack," Droge says.

Plans are being made to provide each UTEP graduate that goes on to teach with a picture phone so that impromptu teaching seminars can be held periodically.

A computer bulletin board network also will be set up to operate 24 hours a day to keep UTEP graduates in contact with Cambridge. Weekend conferences will be held at Harvard once a term during the first year to provide peer support and to maintain teaching skills, Droge says.

Doctoral candidates at the Education School will be hooked up with a UTEP graduate to maintain contact with Harvard's graduate program. Groups of UTEP graduates will also be matched with alumni from the master of arts in teaching program who will act as "mentors," Droge says.

While both Szanton and Stamm say that they intend to get their certificates in post-graduate programs, they also say they believe the program is a worthwhile innovation at Harvard.

"A lot of other schools should follow this example because I think they should pay more attention to education as a field that deserves excellence," Stamm says.

"I believe in the public school system--and it's in trouble," says Szanton. "The more well educated, dedicated teachers in the school system, the better it will be."

Gawain Kripke contributed to the reporting of this story.