The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how experienced special education teachers of moderate to severe classrooms explain their reasons for staying on the job for more than three years and how they describe influences of job controls and social supports on longevity in the Southwestern United States. The framework used to gain insight on the phenomenon was the Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) model. Three research questions were addressed in this study asking how teachers explained their reasons for staying on the job and if any job controls or social supports had influenced their longevity. Twelve special education teachers in two school districts of Maricopa County, Arizona volunteered to participate. To gain understanding into the phenomenon, a qualitative case study was completed. Data sources included interviews, observations, and artifacts. Data were analyzed through a thematic analysis and triangulation of data sources. Four themes answering research question one included social supports are a reason teachers stay on the job, students are a reason teachers stay on the job, and teachers stay on the job for positive aspects and personal reasons. Three influences found in answering research question two included teachers have controls over student needs, scheduling, and general decision-making ability. Five influences found answering research question three included teachers get support from aides, other teachers, administration, non-teaching school staff, and outside the school. Results support the JDCS model that with adequate job controls and social supports teachers could stay on the job despite high job demands. Social supports were noted to be a substantially higher influence than job controls. [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.]