I usually take up for the school system but IF you are a teacher, your attitude is what pushes parents away. Stop preaching like you're someone special. The majority of people appreciate a good teacher and we know it's hard work.
However, it's no longer an "underpaid" or "overworked" position. Your union has seen to that. Teachers are paid extra for everything these days that they used to do on a volunteer basis. That in combination with a good pay scale make it an attractive profession, especially in areas like Granite, Edwardsville and Belleville.
And please don't exagerate the twelve to sixteen hour days. Teachers who are friends of mine work eight to ten hours a day. However, most of them use their "duty free" planning period to take an hour lunch break.
Don't get me wrong. I agree that kids now days have no respect. I also agree that you're dealing with some issues not dealt with by your predecessors. You chose the profession though so if you want to teach and reap the benefits, don't complain about the negatives. You'll find working with those parents and trying to build a bridge works better than talking down to them as you did in your early post.