Outstanding elementary school teachers (N=24) were interviewed about their attitudes, values, and perceptions of themselves and their work. Question topics were: (1) influences on the decision to become a teacher; (2) student teaching experience; (3) special pride in incidents or events; (4) effective teaching approaches or techniques; (5) teacher's role in maintaining discipline; (6) personal assessment of strengths and weaknesses; (7) perception of students' opinion on self (teacher being interviewed); (8) balance between personal and professional life; (9) leisure activities; (10) stressful situations; (11) dealing with stress; (12) support from family and colleagues; (13) sense of being appreciated by others; (14) desirable traits in school administrators; (15) characteristics of the ideal school; (16) validity of career choice; (17) characteristics of outstanding teachers; and (18) how to make teaching a more highly respected profession. Selected responses are presented in narrative form with illustrative quotations. Appendixes include the interview questionnaire, criteria for identifying outstanding teachers, and profile information. Characteristics of outstanding teachers and administrators are listed. (JD)