The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has ordered for details of teachers who have enrolled and those who have not yet started the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) training.
According to a circular addressed to school heads and county directors, the Commission has also ordered for details of teachers who have completed the first TPD module and have received their certificates.
The first module, introductory module, started in September 22, 2021, when TSC first launched the programme.
Some teachers who attend TPD sessions during evening and night classes have already been issued with the certificate after completing all the five areas. The introductory module covers the following areas.
- Teacher Professionalism
- CBC, Pedagogy and Inclusive Practices
- Assessment
- Comprehensive School Health and Safety
- Instructional Leadership and Financial Literacy
However many teachers are yet to join the six-module course which TSC said would form the basis of their promotion and employment.
Now the Commission has requested eleven details from each teacher on its payroll. This comes at a time when their speculations that the Kenya Kwanza government will pay for the upcoming TPD training.
During campaigns Dr Ruto promised to pay for the programme. TPD funding promise is also enshrined in the Kenya Kwanza Education Charter.
“Ensure that all the government initiated capacity building trainings including Teacher Continuous Professional Development are undertaken by trainers free of charge,” reads the document.
Some of the details TSC has requested to be sent immediately through excel sheet include;
- Name of the teacher
- TSC number
- Gender
- School
- Sub County
- Zone
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
- Instituion offering TPD training
- Has the teacher completed six course units?
- Is the teacher certified on TPD?
All indications show that TPD will continue. This is after the Education Taskforce recommended for teachers to be re-trained to acquaint themselves with the new curriculum.
The Commission picked Mt Kenya University, Kenyatta University, Riara University and the Kenya Education Management Institute to offer the professional training.
TSC said more institutions and colleges will be invited to offer TPD training to teachers in 2023.
Teachers are required to pay sh 6,000 yearly for the six modules which take five years each.
Already the courts cleared the Commission to go ahead with the TPD programme after dismissal of a petition challenging its implementation.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nakuru dismissed a petition by Mr Joseph Ngethe Karanja who wanted the programme disbanded citing lack of public participation and violation of teachers’ rights.
However Justice David Nderitu gave TSC the green light to continue with the execution of the TPD programme after finding the process to be in line with the Constitution.