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<p>What is truly outdated is that model in the first place. There is evidence that granting tenure actually reduces the output of research, and obviously … reduces the teaching expectations of the tenured. </p>
<p>Assuming that teaching is important and assuming that research is necessary to maintain competence, why not adopting a system that relies on superior performance in BOTH areas. What is so wrong in expecting the best and brightest to also be dedicated to the teaching part of their vocation, and expecting to continue to produce the research without the blanket protection that encourages a diva-like life in an ivory tower. </p>
<p>Tenure is a remnant of a past when spending without accountability thrived with abandon, when the spending had little to do with performance but everything with manoeuvring adeptly in a small circle of insiders and rewarding the beneficiaries with an easier life.</p>
<p>Simply stated we cannot afford such luxuries any longer (not that they were ever justified) and that the “publish or perish” model should be replaced by a novel “teach and work or perish.” Not that it will happen with a bitter fight as education remains hopelessly defined by greedy insiders.</p>