As the country faces chronic shortages of special education teachers, it is essential that researchers consider factors and practices that could improve the recruitment and retention of teachers. This study examined demographic and contextual factors related to special education teacher longevity in a rural state in the Midwest. This study employed a correlational design to examine the relation between the researcher's identified demographic and contextual variables and special education teacher longevity and examine patterns in teachers' perceptions of contextual factors contributing to their retention. The participants in this study were 119 special education teachers currently teaching in North Dakota. The research results showed that a teacher's age and licensure route had significantly predicted their years of experience (longevity). In addition, teachers rated Self-Efficacy, Administrative/Colleague Support, and School District Characteristics as the most important contextual factors in their retention. Recommendations for further research include "grow your own" teacher programs that focus on individuals with personal experience with individuals with disabilities. [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.]