This study of attitudes of elementary school teachers in the Minneapolis Public School System revealed a marked discrepancy between attitudes of successful and non-successful teachers of lower class black children. An analysis of a 186 item questionnaire showed that the effective teachers displayed empathy and commitment to teach disadvantaged children, were generally more experienced in teaching this kind of student, and felt that their students have been wronged by society. The non-effective teacher tended to be prejudiced and to ignore the physical deprivations students faced. (KG)