Why do teachers who obviously do not enjoy being around children choose a profession surrounding kids?

@prettylittleliar: Are the teachers you describe older or younger? Take into account how underappreciated/underpaid teachers are. It's one of the most important jobs on the planet, yet one of the most underpaid and underappreciated. If you're a teacher, that can really wear you down over time. For example, Mrs. Johnson began her career as a fantastic teacher and gradually, her abilities (for lack of a better word) slipped down to that in your original post.