I feel that falsely applying the label proffessional while being treated in ways that no proffessionals should or would tolerate only weakens the voice of teachers to improve the schools. Teachers are treated as producers. As long as teachers are treated in such a manner the only means to improve working conditions, pay, and educational quality in turn is to organize as laborers under the banner of a militant union. Only by collectively demanding improvement and using traditional labor tactics will teachers gain the autonomy, respect, and salries that they deserve. The false label of professional only weakens the teachers' voice.
Teaching is very much a profession.
Teachers are required to gain licensure, take tests, and be continually educated. Teaching is a profession that one must improve on every year. The first if these is the most important. All other professionals are regulated by a board that consists of members of that profession. This is not true of teaching.