TSC Promotion Interviews
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) faces scrutiny for neglecting to incorporate Teacher Professional Development (TPD) certificates in this year’s teacher promotion interviews. Teachers who completed the TPD modules express frustration, holding the Commission responsible for leading them into a dubious program that proved to be a waste of both time and money.
Despite the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) from TSC mentioning that teachers with TPD module completion would be considered for promotion, the December and January score sheets for primary and post-primary institution teachers did not recognize TPD certification as an eligible award or certificate.
The TPD initiative, initiated two years ago amid teacher protests, commenced with the introductory module on September 22, 2021, involving partnering institutions like Mt Kenya University, Kenyatta University, Riara University, and the Kenya Education Management Institute.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia assured that more institutions would be invited to provide TPD training. However, teachers faced a yearly fee of sh 6,000 for the six modules spanning five years each. Some already attending TPD sessions received certificates after completing the introductory module, covering areas like Teacher Professionalism, CBC, Pedagogy, Inclusive Practices, Assessment, Comprehensive School Health and Safety, and Instructional Leadership and Financial Literacy.
Despite the importance placed on the six-module course for promotion and employment by TSC, economic challenges deter many teachers from participating. Macharia, during a May appearance before the Parliamentary Education Committee, emphasized the necessity of continuous professional development due to the dynamic teaching environment.
She explained that TPD involves lifelong processes, policies, and systems designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for effective teaching and learning. The TSC CEO had requested sh 4.2 billion for teacher promotion and the TPD program in the July 2023 budget allocation.
