I'm confused. What do you mean teachers don't get paid for days not worked? You only work 180 days/year. Every other profession, except teachers, work about 250 days/year. I pay $400/month for family benefits. 10 years ago, I didn't contribute, today it's $400/month. Next year, it will probably be more. Everybody's healthcare contributions go up - except teachers, or they go on strike. What do they pay? $20/month? Get real! I don't work in Silicon Valley, I work in Pittsburgh, and frankly I thank God that I didn't get laid off like so many other people. And by the way, the day I retire, my benefits retire. In the private sector, there are very few professions who get their healthcare for even 1 day after they walk out the door. Take off your rose colored glasses and look at the employment picture around the country.