You might find some useful information about advocating for change in your school system here:
http://www.403bwise.com/Does your state offer a 401k for employees? I'm a teacher and the 403b available to me is less than desirable, but I qualify to contribute to my state's 401k plan. The 401k, despite not offering a match of any kind, is much more preferable than the 403b because of lower cost fund options, including index funds.
As MrsPete said, the pension may be a good deal too depending on which state you live in. Do you have to pay into social security? Between social security, a pension, IRAs, and taxable investments you may be good to go depending on your financial needs.