My post wasn’t contradictory, because you missed the part about status.

Our private school teachers are treasured, and are honored to be part of the long tradition of this particular school.

My children are also the same children they were in public school, but they are learning more now because they have better teachers. The knowledge gap of them transitioning from public to private school was considerable.

Intrinsic motivation is a factor, I agree with that. But it is more than that. Public schools (as a rule) are not getting our best and brightest, they’re more getting those who are settling for it for their job.

* Editing to add I agree on lack of unions in private schools. Our public school teachers in NJ at least have no real accountability at all.