Sadly, the teachers that give a damn are ridiculed by administration. My wife just said screw it and went Gault (luckily she doesn't need to work). Teachers are rewarded for just pushing people through, if they try to instill values or actually teach something, they are ridiculed or harassed. (boy do we have some stories). It is the system as a whole. Getting by with the least, not expecting the best.
A full size American flag, from her dad's casket (Army WWII), covers one wall.
Every year collage age kids and older come by in the summer to tell her she made all the difference in their life. Several have said they hated school and now are teachers and will try to be just like her. A couple have dedicated books to her.
Six years ago she was teacher of the year in one of the biggest districts in Texas and people fight to get their kids in her class. The administration pays her an extra stipend to run a high school leadership group after normal hours. They visit local judges, city hall, jails, and church backed food pantries. They along with her classes work with the VA Hospital to supply homeless vets with clothes, tooth brushes, phone cards and much more. I guess it's just where you live.