TSC Urges Principals to Support Struggling Teachers Through Mentorship, Not Punishment
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is calling on school principals to shift from punitive measures to supportive interventions when dealing with teachers who are facing personal or professional challenges.
Speaking at a Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) conference in Kisumu, Japhat Kariuki, the TSC Regional Director for Nyanza, emphasized the need for compassion and mentorship over punishment. He highlighted that many teachers struggle with personal issues—ranging from family disputes to substance abuse—which may affect their performance in class.
“Teachers should be supported to get back on track when they’re experiencing challenges, not reprimanded,” Kariuki asserted.
⚖️ Discipline Should Be a Last Resort
Cavin Anyuor, a legal officer with the TSC, clarified that while school heads have the authority to interdict teachers, such actions should only be taken for legitimate, serious reasons. He cited a concerning incident where a junior school teacher was punished by being denied a chair—a move deemed excessive and unprofessional.
👥 TIMEC Program: A Proactive Approach
The TSC is urging school heads to adopt the Teacher Induction, Mentorship, and Coaching (TIMEC) program. This initiative is designed to:
- Provide structured mentorship and coaching
- Help teachers navigate personal and professional challenges
- Promote emotional intelligence and institutional values
- Improve overall classroom management and performance
Kariuki pointed out that many schools fail to induct new teachers properly, leaving them disoriented and unsupported. Orientation should not only involve academic expectations but also an introduction to school policies, ethics, and emotional resilience.
🤝 Peer Mentorship and Emotional Support
To help teachers improve, Kariuki recommended assigning experienced colleagues as mentors. In cases involving family-related stress or mental health issues, school heads should create safe spaces and provide flexibility to help affected staff find a work-life balance.
“Coaching should become a formal part of school culture,” Kariuki concluded, “so that teachers can continuously grow and meet higher professional standards.”
🌟 Towards a Culture of Support in Education
As TSC continues to emphasize supportive leadership, schools are being encouraged to nurture—not punish—educators who are doing their best under difficult circumstances. Programs like TIMEC can go a long way in creating a positive, high-performing teaching environment that benefits both educators and students alike.
