I have to defend my Yankees really quick, Most of their best players came through their farm teams. They get paid what they do because they are great players. I'm not going to list them now, but my friends and I just started naming players the other day and we couldn't stop thinking of players that came up through the ranks.1) i'm not worried about teachers taking private sector jobs. I would LOVE to see the best teachers making money they deserve. As with any career field, supply=demand. there will always be someone willing to work that field, or any field for that matter. if you want the best, you have to pay the best. it's just how it works. the yankees are usually the best team because they pay the most to their players and get the best players.
if we continue on this path, i will pay extra to go somewhere to get the proper help i need. if i can't afford it, well then, i failed myself.
ANYWAY....
I have quite a few friends that are teachers. The reasons for choosing that career vary slightly, but in general, they like the hours, summers off, and most of them actually do like helping the kids, minus the few little shitheads.
Don't get me wrong, I agree with you to an extent. If shit doesn't change, I'm jumping ship too.