Purpose - To increase support for teacher education programs in colleges and universities through the development of the curriculum materials center (CMC). Design/methodology/approach - Through statistics drawn from a student survey and departmental records of the C.W. Post CMC, along with the perspective of the author, the development of a CMC as support for a teacher education program is explored. The paper provides insight into various necessary collections and services that the center should offer. Findings - General historical information is offered. The paper also provides information on key collections found in a CMC. Successful approaches to development and creative application of instruction are discussed. Practical implications - This paper provides clear and useful information, including but not limited to suggested author lists, a professional collection bibliography, and software ideas. The objective is to improve the development, functionality and service in a CMC. Originality/value - Arguably, this study is the first to examine and promote in detail the CMC as support for teacher education programs in colleges and universities.