Elite Teachers in England

A few days ago, the Guardian had an interesting article on the lack of social mobility in the English educational structure and how that resulted in more rigidity in the class system.  It is interesting to read Conservative ideas for the educational system; they want the teaching profession to become an elite profession.  They make no mention of the concomitant salary increases usually required with an increase in status.  The Conservatives also make no requirements for an elite teacher to have any elite requirements such as healthy enthusiasm, optimism, interest and so forth; this new class of teacher would come mainly from elite (read private) universities. From the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jan/17/cameron-tories-teaching-standards-prestige

The one point that is really interesting in this article and not detailed enough is the recognition that there are too many universities; England allowed polytechnics to change status to universities a few years ago.  Canada has a similar problem; there are universities galore in the country.  Ironically, with so many thoughtful places, there is a shortage of plumbers, carpenters and other trades that work with their hands.  People can think about unplugging the toilet, not many can actually do it.  Universities used to be for thinkers, elite thinkers, that is fine; a society needs people to reflect on its direction.  It just doesn't need a group en masse to do so.