I didn't mean to imply all low paying jobs only attract mediocre workers--like I said, there are those who are called to it-- but a lot of potentially really great teachers, folks who have excelled in college, stay the heck away because they can go work in a professional environment and make $70k or more their first year, where starting teachers get 30-50k or so. This is pretty regularly discussed in articles lately it seems. There are some counties with great pay and some with lower pay, and the issue of teachers not being able to afford housing near where they teach is a longstanding one in California. And yes, the pink slip thing is no fun. But throwing more money at schools won't automatically solve all education problems (though CA is pretty darn low on student spending nationally I think).
That all said, I agree with Edwin that it's not black and white. And there are factions within schools among teachers--some are always complaining and trying to get away with whatever is easier for them, and many live for their students. But even some of them hate to hear from parents much. Personally I loved it, but rarely got much interaction because I taught high school, and it was sometimes terrifying to deal with some parents. I think more forums and opportunities for parents to interact with teachers would help. This article seems quite whiny; it's a teacher's job to work with parents. Of course you can nitpick but why? Most parents are amazingly supportive.
