Cass, you stated the obvious..you get paid for not working 28 days per year. Good for you. I envy that opportunity.Teachers do not get paid for days not worked. Your health, eye, and dental are most likely paid for by your employer. Unless you are a substandard software engineer, you get paid substantially more, even on a per day basis, than any teacher would dream of getting paid. If you are a decent software engineer, you get a yearly bonus in the low 5 figures(and most likely, company stock). Software engineers are notorious for staring their day about 10:00 or so, and going home whenever. I am privy to this info because my son is a software engineer for a Silicon Valley firm. He has worked for several software companies, and has seen the above statements accurate at most places of employment. Why don't I become a software engineer then? Because I have no interest in that type of job. I am envious(and proud) of my son's success,but I prefer to teach math to 12 year old kids because I enjoy them and the subject material. As stated before, all occupations have truly outstanding employees and those other employees who do nothing except draw a check, both in education and in engineering(and in any profession).

For those of you who doubt the intensity of a school day, try shadowing a teacher for a week and you'll most likely go home exhausted.(I've been doing it for 39 years and I frequently go home for a power nap) Remember also, we are dealing with children. You can't expect an 8 year old to be a willing participant for an 8 hour day. They simply don't have the attention span nor maturity to handle such a long day. Also, most teachers are in favor of a longer school year, but financially the states do not have the resources to extend the school year.

So instead of attacking other professions and declaring others lazy, overpaid, and inept, let's each do whatever we do best and admire those who have a different skill set for their ability.

Jim......you are one articulate guy. Well stated.