This article is a description of the perceptions of pre-service teachers who have chosen to study in a teacher education program designed specifically to prepare them to work in urban elementary schools. Twelve volunteer participants were interviewed in the spring following their admission into the program. Participants and the researcher also made weekly interactive electronic journal entries. In this article, data related to pre-service teachers' reasons for deciding to teach in urban settings are reported and discussed. Professionals interested in urban teaching and teacher education will find these initial findings useful as they select, plan for, and support those preparing to work in urban schools. (Contains 1 table.)