Revitalizing Teacher Professional Development: TSC Advertises Tender for Educational Institutions
Teachers are set to resume the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) training in December 2024, facilitated by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The TSC has advertised a tender for educational institutions to provide training, with the Kenya Kwanza government offering support. It remains uncertain whether teachers will continue to bear the cost of the program or if the government will cover expenses, as previously promised by President William Ruto.
The TPD program, initiated two years ago, faced criticism from teachers during its introduction. The first module covered areas such as Teacher Professionalism, CBC, Pedagogy, Assessment, Comprehensive School Health and Safety, Instructional Leadership, and Financial Literacy. However, some teachers who completed the introductory module felt unrecognized in the subsequent teacher promotion interviews, despite TSC’s guidelines indicating consideration for promotion.
TSC had initially selected institutions like Mt Kenya University, Kenyatta University, Riara University, and the Kenya Education Management Institute to offer professional training, with plans to expand through a tender in 2022. TPD involves a six-module course spanning five years, costing teachers Sh 6,000 annually.
Many teachers have not yet started the course, citing economic challenges and reduced incomes. TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia emphasized the importance of continuous professional development in the dynamic teaching environment. Despite a request for a budget allocation of Sh 4.2 billion for teacher promotion and TPD in the 2023-2024 budget, some teachers remain financially constrained.
The recent tender notice by TSC invites educational training institutions to bid for consultancy services in providing TPD training and related programs for registered teachers in Kenya. Interested institutions must demonstrate their qualifications and experience, with the deadline for submission set for February 14, 2024, at 10:00 am East Africa time. Only successful bidders will be invited to submit proposals.
