The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, describes the findings of a study of Black special education teachers and the factors influential in their selection and continued participation in the profession. The study surveyed 101 Black special education teachers in 64 Mississippi school districts. Subjects were among teachers identified as outstanding by district superintendents. District superintendents most often selected the teachers as outstanding based on their being role models for other teachers. Of the teachers nominated as outstanding 43% were Black. Most of the teachers were trained in predominantly Black institutions within Mississippi. The teachers were primarily female (94%), relatively young (60% between 30 and 39), and well educated (60% held a Master's Degree). Although teachers enjoyed their work and the people they worked with they were less happy with salary and opportunities for advancement. Tables detail the demographic and other data gathered by the survey. (DB)