I am a teacher. There are a few misconceptions that I would like to clear up. Teachers NEVER forget that taxpayers pay their wages. One, we pay taxes just like you do. Two, you never stop reminding us. Teachers do not "enjoy" snow days. For the safety of your children, snow days are called by our administration. We have no say in them. We also work an additional day to make that one up. We don't get a "free" day off, as some of you like to think. IF the schools have the children attend on a day that is questionable, it is the parents that are on TV complaining about the safety of their children. (Rightfully so, I might add.) I am not disagreeing with a lot of what you say. Many "good" teachers out there would accept accountability for all teachers and good ones would not fear that idea. Coming up with a fair and reasonable solution to striking would be fantastic. I, for one, would prefer not to strike. It stinks and causes nothing but distress in the community where you teach. Try living in that community while you are on strike. On the other hand, no one seems to get excited about education unless there are contract negotiations or a strike going on. The board meetings are empty any other time, aside from the few souls who show they care all contract long. Where do you fall? Do you only rant here where people come up with half-wit solutions for change or do you go to the administration and demand change take place? It would be acceptable to come up with some real solutions to the problems at hand and present them to someone that can do something about it. The unfortunate thing that I am gathering here is that what makes a good teacher in many people's eyes is one that will work for minimum pay, put forth maximum effort, have no medical benefits, and drive to school on snowy days just because everyone else has to. How about demanding that your children receive the best education possible and paying the teachers that provide this accordingly? THAT would be a good start for some change. By the way, I love my job, am not whining or complaining, and completely, 100% appreciate every penny, benefit, etc. that I receive for doing a job that I love. I am one of the lucky ones that has that luxury.