The article is devoted to improving the quality of teacher training for specialized educational institutions. The relevance of this problem is confirmed by the need to identify priority areas in the field of education, the main of which are the preservation of historical and pedagogical traditions; ensuring qualified professional training of teachers, readiness for self-development and scientific activity; the ability to transfer the acquired experience and knowledge to future generations. The article defines the current trends in teacher training, as well as historical parallels, which contribute to the actualization of the pedagogical heritage in order to use the most effective methods in modern practice. Based on the analysis and generalization of practical experience of teacher training in specialized educational establishments of different levels, the content and organizational elements that most effectively affect the optimization of modern teacher training are identified. In addition to traditional forms of training, such creative activities as mentoring, publication of pedagogical journals, work in creative groups, organization of exhibitions of professional education are highlighted. The article may be of interest to teachers, methodical workers in secondary, higher and higher military education. Keywordshistorical and pedagogical traditions, optimization of teacher training, specialized educational institutions, methodical training.