Recruitment and retention of qualified teachers in three critical instructional areas--science (n=50), mathematics (n=50), and kindergarten (n=50)--were investigated. The study sought to assess and compare selected variables bearing upon teachers who decide to continue teaching in these areas and those who choose to resign (n=41). A survey focused on: (1) background information about the respondent; (2) teaching position in the school district; (3) interest and satisfaction in teaching assigned subject; (4) factors related to teaching; (5) factors potentially related to resignation from teaching position; and (6) attitudes toward teaching as a career. A section on future career plans was included for current teachers and a section on reasons for resignation was added for resigned teachers. Findings are given in narrative form with accompanying tabular presentations. Conclusions are presented through listings of comparisons of the similarities and differences between the two groups as they relate to the selected variables. (JD)