This study focuses on factors related to teacher retention, specifically focusing on professional education staff in the state of Michigan. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were certain factors that led to teachers feeling motivated to remain in a profession that has recently experienced some unfavorable attrition rates. This study focused on a sample size of Michigan educators who self-reported "non-compensation-related" perception data. These "working conditions" factors were based upon a significant literature review and current data on the retention topic, and they were analyzed to determine which factors had the largest impact on teacher job satisfaction as defined by continued employment in the same capacity. The data gathered included Likert scale survey methodologies via a survey instrument tool. This methodology was chosen because it provided the best vehicle for reaching many participants from school districts throughout the state of Michigan. The participants in the sample were accessed via multiple professional organization LISTSERVs, and trend data were studied to determine commonalities, themes, and generalizations in response. There were 512 participants in this study. The quantitative survey tool was disseminated via the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA), the Southeast Michigan Middle Level Administrators Association (SEMMLAA), and the Michigan Association of Middle School Educators (MAMSE), as well as through my personal contacts. This study concluded with recommendations for future policy and practice implications as well as recommendations for additional research areas of study surrounding retention, recruitment, and other related focus areas for future examination. [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.]