In this paper we share our approach and current progress in the development of a research- based recruitment instrument that will be used in selecting students for an initial preparation program. This instrument will facilitate the selection of future teachers of secondary mathematics who possess the potential to become high quality teachers capable of advancing the mathematical learning of urban students. A phenomenological stance was applied within focus groups interview in collecting and analyzing initial data. Through this process a list of characteristics of high quality urban teachers were determined and categorized. (Contains 1 table.)