Questions about what constitutes effective teacher education, compatible
with today’s changing educational demands, have become
commonplace. This article is therefore an overview of ideas about the
elements of effective teacher education in light of the 21st century
demands. Drawing on literature and the authors' knowledge of teacher
education in the East African context, the article argues the case for the
different elements of effective teacher education programs that would
help the region, and by extension other developing countries, meet their
educational obligations in the 21st century. The paper also highlights
the theoretical underpinnings of these elements and concludes with the
implications of these elements to teacher preparation in East Africa