There is an underrepresentation of African American males in the kindergarten through Grade 12 public education teaching profession. A number of research studies have been conducted to try and understand why African American males fail to enter this career field in large numbers. This research study sought to understand why a select group of African American males chose to enter and then remain in the K-12 public education teaching profession. The study utilized the primary framework of grounded theory research to examine why a select group of African American males entered and remained in the K-12 public education teaching profession. The study was comprised of structured interviews with 12 African American male K-12 public education teachers. The study revealed that research participants fell into two basic categories when trying to understand why they entered the K-12 public education teaching profession. They were either destined to become K-12 public education teachers or they never intended to enter the K-12 public education profession. Of those who intended to teach from the onset of their college experience, family ties or strong influences from other teachers resulted in them entering the profession. For those who never intended to become K-12 teachers, job stability and the need for employment resulted in them entering the teaching profession. The study further revealed that regardless of why the African American males in this research study chose to become K-12 public education teachers; once they entered the profession, they discovered a passion for the profession and remained. Implications for this research study indicate that more effort needs to be expended getting African American males to simply give the K-12 teaching profession a try. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]