There are two theories at work for the issues of the teaching profession. Let's call one "the current political climate". Duncan, NCLB, funding - all the usual suspects. If that isn't enough of a hurdle - tell teachers to do the impossible and then measure them on irrelevant info. Nice job - sign me up 
This political BS gamesmanship ignores the true threat. Someone, somewhere - be it a charter, a Gates, a Home School group, or some other entity is going to provide a large number (like a mid-size city) of spaces for a hands on 1-15 or 1-20, technology advanced, all the bells and whistles education programming, for free. In a PUBLIC SCHOOL. And they will shut the doors, check the cell phones at the gate, and will tailor (because they have time and money) specific programs designed for small groups of students.
And the demand won't come from big business - it will come from parents. And you know what - it will work. Because when it comes down to it - I don't think anyone is going to choose principal over a better quality education for their kids.
And before I get flamed - I am in not suggesting this is what I want to see happen - but I do think it is going to be what happen. So if the primary goal is how to preserve the art of teaching, how can that possibly be done in today's environment?
And we can say "more money from the public" - but that will not get traction. It's not working now, and I don't see that changing in the near future. Society today will demand MORE for the SAME money. They get it everywhere else, why not in education? And the problem is the teachers are powerless to provide what we want them to provide. They would provide it if allowed.
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