For me it wasn't a consideration at all when I decided to change my career. I certainly didn't think of coming to China of all places. It wasn't on the radar at all.
I left my share of my company to my sister while in British Columbia. I had enough of the constant family squabbles and decided it was time for a change. I had no idea what that meant at the time but I knew I had to do it.
After some pondering I saw an ad in the paper, "Teach English in China"...I laughed and laughed, really I did. However I kept seeing that ad, so I decided to call the number. 6 weeks later I was in Harbin. I chose Harbin cause I could get involved in one of the local Hockey Schools there. Made some email inquiries with the New York Islanders and got a positive response.
Anyways, I digress....my decision had nothing to do with traveling, income, accepting the only thing available or any of that stuff. I was simply following my gut instinct and moving out of my comfort zone. My friends and family (I was single at the time) thought I had lost it. However all is well now and aside from the daily grind that is China, this is my new life and I am happy that I did what I did those years ago.

IRL, all of the non-English teaching foreigners I've met have been friendly and respectful to me.

I think the self-effacing attitude comes more from English teachers themselves, if anything.

I have met many English teachers who are great people and very dedicated to their profession.  But, unfortunately I have met many more who are self-absorbed, self-important assholes who are only here because they couldn't get a job in their home country.

It is because of that second group of 'teachers' that give the entire group a bad reputation.  I try to treat each person as a individual, but it is hard not to let past experiences color my first impression of an individual the moment they say they are an English teacher.

All I have ever read about English teachers in China is they are all self righteous losers who couldn't make it in their own countries....oh and they use and abuse all the Chinese girls.
I have yet to meet an English teacher in China in person, so I have yet to confirm if these opinions are accurate.  If I were a local I would probably believe it, because they believe whatever they are told....I on the other hand don't believe anything until I see it.
Where can I find these elusive English teachers...besides on expats forums?

I've thought about this since the first time I heard it, which was a while ago, and I think the perception is multi faceted. I actually believe the Chinese government was far-sighted in the respect that they instituted English as a second language for their citizens, as it is one of the most widely spoken international languages. But, I also think that it is considered a "neccessary evil," given the distrust and conciliatory attitude towards most things originating outside of China. This, along with the behaivor of some foreign teachers has fostered the belief that most teachers are low-life, womanizing, captialist rail-roaders (Now there's a term!). People tend to remember bad things over good, so all a local would have to do to form an opinion is to meet one bad, which would offset ten good examples.

I've only met a hand full of teachers since I've been here, the majority of which have been in their twenties, and yes, they liked to party and had a lot of Chinese women around, but that is part and parcel of young western men (partying and women). The others I've met have been closer to my age group, and they were men who were actually here to teach, and did so very diligently and with great passion.

Personally, I taught for many years at the collegiate level in the U.S., and have always enjoyed being around students. The catalyst for my coming was a divorce after 22 years of marriage, so I suddenly found myself able to do anything I wanted to do in life. I've had an interest in Asian style painting since I was young, so I came to China to learn traditional Chinese ink painting and calligraphy, and teaching was a quick way to do so. Since I was already in the field, it was easily accomplished. I met a woman here, we dated, and got married, and are having a great time.

I tell everyone what I do, and have never been treated ill because of it. In many cases, it has been a great way to pick up extra money as they want me to tutor their kids; so many, in fact, that I have had to turn hordes away, which in the eyes of the local folks, has made my services all the more sought after, lol.

I had a steady job that I was good at, was respected for (well, my ability to do the job itself, maybe not me, cos I'm a 'trouble-maker, ie, "this doesn't work, we should fix it!"), and a friend came over from interstate and told me he had just done a TESOL course, and was enrolled in the Master's program. He suggested I go to the information session. I did, like what I was told about the possibilities (and actualities) of doing this line of work.

I've always been some sort of a teacher, and student, so it really was an obvious field for me to get into. But, back in my home country, I really didn't want to be a teacher - because the only real options there are to teach kids in school, which I have no interest in. So, now, I can teach something I'm good at, to people who (sometimes) are interested, and get paid (relatively) well.

China was supposed to be only a 1 year gig. But, I stayed for a girl, for kung fu, and for study. The girl is gone, my old joints don't like kung fu (nor does my laziness), and damn, I'm now doing another degree....

Soon, I finally intend to leave China. As I keep telling people, I can't see the rest of the world from here.

Do we receive a lot of respect? Nope! As indicated above, many only come here as a quick way out, or as a travelling paid holiday. And for the girls (not that I'm against them ) I've seen and spoken to the drunk teacher, the angry teacher, and the slack-arse teacher. The ones who don't really know what they're doing (in either teaching, or the actual knowledge of the language...). So, I can understand why we don't get a hell of a lot of respect, especially when you consider we are paid substantially more than the locals, who have better actual training.

I came here with only a dodgey weekend/online course diploma - so I wasn't really worth much (and actually less than the 5K I started at). I've got my CELTA, my Masters, and my experience...  so now, I think I'm due a bit of respect (and money!)

But, I think a large part of the problem is - teaching just doesn't get much respect in this country. Even a professor gets paid less than I do (about half??) That's ridiculous! (OTOH, the level of education and the requirements for being a professor are also quite dubious, so maybe that makes up for it! At least with English, I do actually know what 'm talking about! Given some of the discussions I've had with some of the local English teachers, I can reall appreciate why we get paid more than them!!!)

I find that this is a country with strong Confucian roots.  Nowadays teachers as a rule, both foreign and Chinese, are generally respected.  It goes with the territory.  Additionally, the "elephant in the room" is that there is a vivid if not silent memory of what happened to teachers around here say about 35 years when many where sent to plant rice in the country.  Accordingly, the country has returned to its Confucian roots and a respect for teachers has emerged again, rather resiliently.

As for expat.john above, he is so, so, so on the mark when he writes about the different kinds of foreign teachers.  I have met more bizarre foreign teachers here in China than in all the rest of my existence elsewhere ... drunks, druggies, perverts, etc., etc.  It is frightening and it is the coterie of teachers that give the entire lot of foreigners here a bad name.

Well, I don't know if I'm looked down on. Actually, I think it's more of I'm treated somewhat like a child. It's understandable considering I am a girl, I look younger than I am, and I don't have any experience teaching. I came here because I wanted to travel in Asia. That doesn't mean I don't take my job seriously, I do. However, I always wanted to go to Asia, because I felt like Pennsylvania was not enough for me. I knew there was something more out there, so I'm looking for it. After I finish my vacation in Japan, I'll be starting on some lessons so I'll be prepared for next semester.

From what I know, foreign English teach (title) is literally having a "degrading" meaning nowadays if it's said by people with a tone.