The "Increased demand" on education.

I agree that there is an increased demand on education. I also agree that by schools deciding to tackle new societal and academic demands they are in a sense progressing. However, I ask is it positive or negative progress? I would argue that it is negative since all teachers are not able or willing to "tighten up their boot straps." Those that are willing and able usually have to independently adapt in order to meet the demands. And finally, whether you do or don't work to meet the demands you are still vulnerable to criticism. This final reason is most vital because teachers who do care enough to try often take the criticism to heart the most. Meanwhile the teacher who shows little interest in the demands continues to send below average students (academically and/or socially) on through the education system. Hence, placing more demand on the caring teacher.
I think most of us may agree that good administrators are a dime a dozen which therefore makes teachers fend for themselves; but, then should we say that the inequalities in our abilities as teachers is leading to the inequalities in the success of our students. I don't think this is entirely the reason, but I do think it is part. There are definitely some teachers who are past there prime, some who are not in education for the right reasons (they like the vacation schedule for example), and some who are only around because instead of being let go they are shuffled from grade level to grade level with a hope that they will change careers for the sake of administrators not having to do the dismissal paperwork.
In closing, the demands of teaching are high and it is are duty as teachers to work to meet those demands. As new teachers enter the education world with training, knowledge, and enthusiasm as we have the inequalities in effective teaching will decrease. We just have to hope that there is the money and positions available to hire us.