A statewide survey of special education directors revealed that director of special education preparation programs should be time limited and offered in convenient locations to recruit the best possible pool of students and future directors. Current directors have come to their positions through numerous and diverse career paths. The lack of racial diversity in the ranks of special education directors mirrors the limited racial diversity in educational administration across the nation as well as in the teaching population. Dealing with issues associated with law, finance, and accountability for student progress and outcomes is among the most important functions of the director of special education position. Directors report that working with professional staff, positively affecting student learning and growth, and having the opportunity to use leadership skills are the most rewarding aspects of the position, whereas making difficult personnel, legal, and financial decisions, coping with paperwork demands, and juggling multiple roles and responsibilities are the most difficult facets. (Contains 7 tables.)