cuttosteel,
Sorry to hear about the situation your in.Unfortunately it sounds like a lot of great teachers might be joining you.I hate to see our children and our future take such a hard hit.

My sons mother-in-law is seriousley contemplating leaving a 15 year career in education because of some new tests or schooling that is being required.Sounds like maybe the same dilemna your going through.Not sure though.
My son put in 2 years at Pacific University (ouch!)a private college.pursuing a career in teaching.When he finally realized what his education was costing him.And the starting pay scale for a teacher is.He changed his mind.The decision making process was totally stressing him out.Worried about paying student loans etc.Feeling like he wasted his time and our $.I know that giving up his education was the hardest decision he ever had to make.

Well,he got into a union electrical apprenticeship.Plus is coaching football,and his true love,wrestling.So he still gets to be involved with,and be a great mentor to the kids.Maybe not how he really wanted things to work out.But he's happy with how they turned out.

So I do have a small understanding of what your going through.I just want to wish you luck,and provide a little encouragement to you that things will be o.k. and hopefully you can find a career that is as rewarding to you as your teaching career is.

Frankly I'm relieved,that my son got into a different career,And I'm saddened that there are a lot of high quality teachers out there that arent being supported in the way they should be.
Good luck to you in your search'
Rick