Where have all the teachers gone?

I’ve started to read about teachers who are leaving.  It makes me feel sad that we are losing teachers because administrators, parents, the public, whoever, just don’t support the work they do.  Teaching is becoming harder and harder each year (I can say this as I start my 20th year in the profession) and the support seems to wain each year.  I know that I am working harder than ever before because everyone wants to make more demands on what I am doing in and out of the classroom.  

And what about the new teachers?  I know some who are very talented, and they have not found jobs.  Yet we keep saying we value teachers and we need more.  Ok, then hire them, put them in a classroom.  Give them a chance.  One young lady did a long term sub job for me this past semester, stepping into a difficult position and doing a good job.  Did she get a permanent job? NO.  Another teacher in our department came in and took over a set of classes from three different teachers and did an outstanding job.  Did she get hired to return?  NO.  A friend of mine just finished her student teaching in elementary teaching and she has no job prospects at this time.