AAAS article on public school bashing.
It appears public and political attacks on public schools are the in thing. We all have had a teacher or two who was not particularly good, but I would suggest we have also encountered doctors, nurses, car salespersons, police officers, clergymen, etc. who were also lazy and less than acceptable.
An occasional incompetent aside, teaching is a difficult and typically low-paid job. I think people assume they understand the profession because they have witnessed it as a student. Perhaps this is the key. Many assume they could do it, but have never actually tried. Volunteer and give it a try. If it is too much of a hassle to report to the local school, it would help those of us who teach if you spent some time helping your own children. If you are unable to explain the subject matter, just check to see if they have completed their home work.