As the number of minority K-12 students continues to rise it is pertinent that minority teachers are present in classrooms across the United States. There are many benefits associated with the presence of minority teachers. Minority teachers often teach in hard-to-staff schools and possess a familiarity with the cultural assets that minority students contribute to the academic setting. Moreover, minority students are referred at lower rates for discipline and special education services when minority teachers are present. Research confirms the hindrances that minority college students face during their attendance at predominantly White institutions as teacher education majors. These obstacles have a negative impact on their persistence toward graduation, certification, and degree attainment. In addition, factors such as social adjustment, lack of access to diverse curriculum and faculty, teacher preparation program entrance requirements, and certification tests eliminate aspiring teachers at various points of the teacher pipeline. This study examined the lived experiences of six Black teachers to determine the factors that contributed to their success as undergraduate students at Morehead State University as teacher education majors. A qualitative research design consisting of eight semi-structured questions and a Critical Race Framework was used. Several consistent themes emerged 1) participation in extracurricular activities and social organizations was beneficial for the participants, 2) microaggressions served as stressors and were experienced during observation and student teaching experiences, 3) microaggressions occurred in the classroom, 4) the presence of Black faculty and staff inspired the participants, 5) counter-spaces served as a source of empowerment. Findings from this study support the continued investigation of the experiences of Blacks who aspire to become certified teachers. [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.]