Introduction of the TSC Amendment Bill
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has finally provided clarity regarding the fate of P1 teachers following the introduction of a proposal to revoke their certifications. The TSC Amendment Bill had suggested that instructors in the lowest employment cadre must now hold atleast a diploma, thus eliminating the previous requirement for a P1 teaching certificate.
Changes in Certification Requirements
Previously, individuals who achieved a D plain in their high school exams were eligible to apply for a P1 teaching course and eventually issued with a certificate. However, under the new plan, the TSC aims to raise the minimum entry requirement for teaching to a C plain. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education and ensure that teachers possess a higher level of academic proficiency.
Retooling and Diploma Certification
Despite the proposed changes, the TSC has assured that P1 teachers will still have the opportunity to continue working in classrooms, provided they undergo a retooling process. This retooling will equip them with the necessary skills to teach effectively under the new curriculum. Additionally, P1 teachers will need to obtain a diploma certificate to be deemed competent to teach in primary schools.
Concerns Raised by Senators
Senators have expressed concerns about this proposal, highlighting the high cost of college tuition which may deter some teachers from pursuing the mandatory diploma program. They also pointed out the challenges posed by increasingly stringent requirements and the expenses associated with the Kenya National Examinations Council’s (KNEC) examinations.
Importance of Retooling for New Curriculum
The TSC emphasized that since the introduction of the new curriculum, retooling had become essential for P1 teachers. This training is crucial for them to acquire new skills necessary to deliver the updated curriculum effectively. The commission has committed to implementing a comprehensive and well-defined retooling program for P1 instructors to ensure they can impart knowledge in line with the commission’s recommendations.
Upgrading Program for P1 Teachers
To facilitate this transition, the TSC has introduced an upgrading program for all P1 instructors who graduated before 2019 and are not on the commission’s payroll. This nine-month program, initiated in 2019, aims to upgrade their P1 certificates to a diploma level. The commission assured that there will be no prejudice in this process, and inclusion will be maintained.
Employment Opportunities and Equal Treatment
The TSC has guaranteed that it will continue to hire teachers with P1 certificates who have not yet upgraded to a diploma, provided they undergo the necessary retooling program. This ensures that they are well-equipped to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) effectively. Moreover, the commission has pledged to provide equal employment opportunities for teachers who upgrade to the diploma level and those who currently hold P1 credentials.