The strike forced the closure of 22 schools in the Armidale diocese – including a number of high schools – and interrupted the education of thousands of students for three hours.

Bearing placards that read “We want more than a conversation” and “You want dialogue! Here it is – negotiate with our union”, the frustration of teachers was evident.

The strike has no doubt rankled some parents, who are quick to brand striking teachers “extremists”, part of a band of opportunistic lefties jeopardising their children’s education to feather their own nest.

It’s a common refrain: teachers are often maligned as idealistic, unaccountable and all-too-ready to disrupt the lives of others for their own benefit.

But by accepting these shallow – and inaccurate – stereotypes, we are underselling the critical importance our teachers play.

Few of us would disagree educators are underpaid for the work they do in shaping our children’s futures.

After finishing uni and with four years’ experience, a Catholic school teacher earns a tick over $60,000.

What would an investment banker or an engineer earn with commensurate qualifications?

Of course, teachers also enjoy extended holidays and the warm glow of satisfaction in knowing they’re making a difference in young lives.

But that job satisfaction is fast eroded when you feel like you’re not being valued by your employer.

The incandescent rage of teachers yesterday was based on a decision by their Catholic employer to foist a new enterprise agreement upon them with scant consultation.

The union claims the new agreement will strip conditions from teachers, particularly support staff, and impact the quality of education.

The decision-makers at the Armidale diocese, still feeling aftershocks from their decision to close St Mary’s school, should at least engage in a more meaningful dialogue with those affected.

If the cost of these changes is a diminution in the level of support our children receive at school, then it’s a cost too high to bear.