Where have all the teachers gone?

I understand that teachers in Canada are upset by recent legislation that takes away their right to strike. I understand that teachers are upset that they can no longer bank their unused sick time until retirement, and walk away with a large amount of money. What I don't understand are the teachers who refuse to perform extra-curricualr activities for the kids, or the ones who won't talk to parents about school work, or even the shortened report cards that are coming home at many schools this year.

Is it okay to be so dissatisfied with your salary and contract that you make children suffer? I don't think so. I know that some schools are more in support of this policy than others. There are several schools that haven't had many changes at all in the way things work, but I'm talking about the schools which have adopted these policies. Children who once saw school as a place of learning and extra-curricular activities now don't have that option. Parents who can't afford to pay for  sports lessons outside of school must now see their child sit at home and miss out on school basketball or soccer because the teachers want more money and fewer hours worked.

The lack of communication gets to me too, but again I state only in some schools. Shortened report cards are not a reasonable form of protest. Parents must be aware of their child's development, progress or lack thereof, and conduct in school. Refusing to speak to parents over the phone outside of school hours (yes, this sometimes includes recess as  it is considered extra-curricular time, or break time), is not only hurting the children, but leaving parents to wonder what is going on at school.

I for one am frightened of the way the education system seems to be headed. There seem to be many teachers who are in their positions only for the money or benefits (every weekend, summer, and holiday off? Yes, please). Where did all the educators go who are concerned with actually educating children? It seems a popular reason to go into the teaching field, but at what point does it become obsolete? The fact that teachers are upset about not being able to strike is proof enough. How beneficial is a strike for all those students who are at school for an education?

It seems to me that the teachers who are upset about this are the ones who are in teaching for the wrong reasons. There are several other areas of employment where  the pay is higher and the benefits are better. If you ask me though, the rate of pay for the time worked is pretty good, and the benefits couldn't be better. New policy proposes something like 10 sick days per year, but keeping in mind that there are approximately 190 working days in a year (out of 365), and it seems extremely generous. And if teachers remain teachers and the pay is not enough, why not get a summer job? That's all I have to say.