RE: Attracting and Retaining Teachers

I agree that pride is an important, crucile attitude/disposition toward the profession.  I work with credential students and see many entering the profession with all the pride you speak of but when the public continually criticizes them as being inept, when the value afforded the teaching profession is minimized not only by salary offered but also when teachers are not treated as professionals - they are not allowed to govern their profession.  consider doctors and lawyers - reform of these professions does not come from outside the profession but from within the ranks.  In our profession governance and reform is legislated.

Pride will be sustained when we truly value and support the profession as one vital to the survival of our society.