I'm worried about the teaching profession...

In my capacity as a professional development specialist, I have talked to many teachers from different districts and schools.  I have observed many classrooms and heard many stories about the day-to-day reality for teachers.  I'm worried.  Many teachers are tired.  Downtrodden.  Overwhelmed.  Frustrated.  Overworked.  Under-appreciated.  Feeling helpless.  Stressed out!  I know teaching has never been easy - honestly - how many professionals (or anyone) would like to babysit 25 children, much less be with them all day and also be responsible for their learning.  Teachers don't have a problem with that - they can do it.  In fact, they are "called" to do it.  Most of them feel very passionate about meeting the needs of their diverse learners  - they went into teaching to make a difference - and they DO!  However, the kind of difference they make is not necessarily measured on a standardized test.  Sure, some students will improve academically and the goal is for ALL students to improve academically, but kids need more than that in order to be successful.  Many students, from all socio-economic levels, need adults who care about them, who listen, who are kind and "get them."  I recently had an opportunity to drive some 6th grade boys to a Scouting campout.  I took the opportunity to quiz them about their schooling - What classes did they like?  Which teachers were the best?  Which were the worst?  Why?  No surprise - they liked the classes they were good at and they liked the teachers who inspired them.  One boy said he liked his teacher because, "He jumped on a table once."  They all had stories about having "fun" in the class, but that it wasn't too rowdy.  Basically they all described teachers who liked them and worked creatively to help them learn.  Isn't that the bottom line?  Don't we all learn better when teachers are happy and relaxed?  We never want to take our eye off the ball and lose sight of the fact that all students need to achieve high academic standards, but it's a no brainer that everyone, both students and teachers, learn better in an environment that is free of pressure, negativity and unrealistic expectations.  I want ELLs to succeed and in order for that to happen, teachers have to have the time and support to address diverse linguistic needs within each content lesson.  Will that be possible in the current learning environment?  What will make things better?   These are questions I'm thinking about quite deeply and I'd be very interested in any insights you might like to share.  I'm very worried about the teaching profession.....