I Guess I Should Know Better by Now

I think I might finally give up. After years of trying to set the record straight, arguing with people who won't listen and providing countless examples of how the situation really is.... I think I might give up. The majority of Americans will never respect teachers or understand their impact on society.
After complaining about what the state of Illinois would like to do to the teacher's pension along with raising the retirement age to 67, I remarked to my family how ridiculous it would be for a 67 year old woman to be in Rockford Public High School. Always quick to shove words back down your throat, my sister swooped in and said "But that's their choice. They don't have to stay there." She then brought up all the laborers who have to work until age 67 and I agreed with her on that point, there are some people who might be able to do that job until 67, but I don't think it's standard. We're working those people too much. Of course, she said that was their choice as well, they don't have to stay there.
I guess maybe I'm in the minority when I think we WANT our teachers to stay in one place. We want high quality, educated and resourceful teachers in the profession. Perhaps Rockford Public High School would always be able to get young, new teachers who need jobs. But does that really benefit the students? Hell no. Of course, my sister won't see it that way. And perhaps when she has a child she'll even encounter a teacher she really doesn't think should have their job. I kind of hope she does. You cannot treat your teachers like crap or you won't have good, quality people coming into the profession. End of story.
If it's my choice, then I guess I might have to choose something else. It's a shame though, because I really do enjoy teaching and I give it my all. However, I'm tired of trying to be respected by the people of the world who are angry that I get summers off. Fine. You guys win. I quit. I can do another job that won't be so difficult to keep up with when I'm 67. Like you said, it's my choice. Good luck finding a quality replacement!