Just going through the motions

Early childhood education is the one of the most difficult professions to go into, not only in relation to the amount of work, but also due to how the profession is seen by others.  Repetively teachers say they feel like glorified babysitters, but they are so much more.  They are children's first entry to school, they are nurturers, negotiators, and facilitators of children's first learning experiences.  So why, when they work so hard to provide quality experiences, does it become just an experience of getting by?  How do we help good teachers, those willing to provide quality, early childhood experiences, those who engage students in projects, to not be bogged down?  I know some really good teachers who provide incredibly positive experiences for young children through projects who have to justify such practices and to "compete" with those who merely teach to the standards.  Why is this when we know so much about quality early childhood experiences.  Should these teachers become so burned out that they resort to merely going through the motions?  If there are any of you out there, explain this struggle and tell your story so we as a group can advocate for quality teachers who struggle every day to provide authentic experiences for young children.  And let's dialogue about how to promote quality early chlidhood experiences to support quality, early learning experiences and the teachers who provide them.