This report summarizes the data from the Study of Special Needs in Special Education (SPeNSE), a national study of personnel in special education. It focuses on data related to recruiting and retaining high-quality special education teachers. Findings indicate: (1) in 1999-2000, more than 12,000 openings for special education teachers were left vacant or filled with substitutes; (2) approximately three-fourths of special education teachers were employed in the same state where they received their initial teacher preparation; (2) roughly 7% of special educators earned their certification through an alternative route, with teachers of students with emotional disturbance having the largest proportion (12%); (3) in 1999-2000, only 15% of local administrators offered financial incentives above and beyond the local salary schedule to recruit teachers, however, salary did not predict special education teachers intent to stay; (4) the mean age of special education teachers nationwide was 43, and two-thirds were committed to remaining in teaching until retirement or as long as they were able; and (5) teachers were more likely to say they would stay in teaching when their workload was manageable, their school was supportive, and paperwork did not interfere significantly with teaching. (CR)