Much ado about talented teachers
Some universities have announced that they would offer well-paid jobs to talented people from abroad. But instead of coming as good news, the announcement has created suspicion among the public, says an article in Zhujiang Evening News. Excerpts:
It is good news for overseas graduates that they would be offered well-paid jobs. Presidents of several universities have said they are willing to pay higher salaries to recruit highly talented people. One of them has even offered 10 million yuan ($145,930) as a start-up fund.
But their vow should not be taken at face value. According to the announcement, the decision to recruit a talented person rests on the presidents or local provincial governors. No professors or experts will be asked to help make the right choice. The recruitment of academics or university teachers through administrative power goes against the grain of modern educational institutions. Besides, how can we be sure that those recruited are the best of the talents and no underhand deals have been struck?
A 10-million-yuan start-up fund is good but paying salaries beyond the universities' financial means is not a sustainable way to run academia.
The university presidents cannot claim to be encouraging talents by just making such announcements. The best way to encourage talents is to first make good use of the talents already in hand - faculty members of universities.
(China Daily 12/31/2009 page9)
