TSC Set to Roll Out TPAD 3 and New TMIS Amidst Sweeping Staffing Changes
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is reportedly preparing to launch significant overhauls to its teacher appraisal and management systems. The incoming changes include the introduction of TPAD 3, a revamped Teacher Management Information System (TMIS), and strict new staffing ratios for both primary and Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
Transitioning to TPAD 3
The current Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD 2) system is set to be phased out. According to recent updates circulating within education networks, the forthcoming TPAD 3 will demand more rigorous, evidence-based appraisals.
Teachers should expect new requirements, including the mandatory uploading of certified professional documents and scanned lesson observation forms directly onto the platform.
Revamped TMIS and Strict Staffing Ratios
Alongside TPAD 3, the TSC is developing a new TMIS designed to streamline staffing and ensure equitable teacher distribution across primary and secondary schools.
Under the proposed framework, a single stream in a primary school will be capped at 50 learners, assigned one teacher per stream. For example, a standard single-stream primary school will be allocated six teachers plus one extra. Any surplus teachers will be transferred to understaffed institutions.
Junior Secondary School Allocations
For Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), the staffing model will be slightly different. Each stream will accommodate a maximum of 45 learners and will be allocated two teachers.
Medical Exemptions and JSS Policy
The new directives also address teacher workloads and health. Educators who are unwell and unable to handle a full teaching workload will now be required to submit a formal medical letter from a Level 4 hospital as proof.
Furthermore, the TSC has reportedly distanced itself from the ongoing practice of primary school teachers handling JSS classes. The Commission states it is unaware of the practice, citing a lack of official policy supporting such arrangements.
Mixed Reactions from the Teaching Fraternity
The impending changes have sparked immediate reactions online, with many educators expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the new systems. For official directives and further updates, teachers can follow resources like teacher.co.ke.
On social media, teachers voiced their doubts regarding the digital upgrades. One educator remarked that TPAD “doesn’t really help much anyway however much they improve it,” while another sarcastically noted, “Improve it but I will still score myself 98%.” Others dismissed the developments as “kuzungushana tu” (just going in circles).
