This qualitative phenomenological study delved into the factors influencing the retention of special education teachers in rural Luzerne County, Pennsylvania school districts. The focus was on understanding why these educators chose to continue in their positions despite facing significant challenges such as limited resources, administrative burdens, and heavy workloads. The study examined these experiences through the framework of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, uncovering key motivators behind teacher retention, including strong relationships with students, a deep sense of community, and personal fulfillment. Interviews with six tenured special education teachers highlighted both the intrinsic rewards and external obstacles they encountered. While the teachers expressed a strong commitment to their students' success, many reported frustration with inconsistent administrative support, high caseloads, and a lack of collaboration with general education teachers. Nonetheless, personal satisfaction from their roles and a sense of purpose helped them persevere in their positions, often outweighing practical concerns such as salary and workload. The findings underscored the importance of nurturing supportive school environments, enhancing administrative practices, and providing more resources to rural districts. Additionally, the study emphasized the need for emotional and professional support for special education teachers to address burnout and turnover. The research provides insights into the complexities of special education in rural settings and offers recommendations for improving teacher retention. Future studies should broaden the scope to encompass diverse educational contexts and explore ways to enhance retention strategies for better supporting special education teachers in underserved areas. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]