The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has submitted proposals regarding the placement to degree and Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) programs in education.
In the proposals, the Commission has proposed that the teaching program takes five and a half years. Out of these, in the first four years, the trainee will cover content in his or her area of specialization.
In the fifth year, the teacher will undergo a professional course. Teaching practice will take two terms, equivalent to six months which will take place after the fifth year.
In addition, a student wishing to pursue a degree will have to also attain a mean grade of a B- and a C (plain) in English and Mathematics.
However, these proposals are awaiting approval by University Vice Chancellors.
These proposals should be taken seriously and should guide Career choices.
Any Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates who wish to join the teaching profession should be mindful of any possible changes in the qualification requirements.
Current TSC Requirements for Secondary School Teachers
In the current requirements for a diploma, teachers are getting a diploma in Education from a recognized Teacher Training Institution, a C+ in the KCSE examination or its equivalent (one principle and two subsidiaries in A-level) and at least a C+ or credit pass in the two teaching subjects.
However, two categories of candidates are exempted from having to attain the above minimum qualifications. This includes diploma teachers who graduated in 2008 or before and had attained a mean grade of C (Plain) and a C plain in the two teaching subjects.
On the other hand, teachers in Hearing Impaired and Blind are required to attain a mean grade of C and C in the two teaching subjects.
For Graduate teachers, they are required to
- Attain a C+ in their KCSE and at least a C+ in each of the two teaching subjects or an equivalent (2 principles and 1 subsidiary pass at ‘A’ level)
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree, with two teaching subjects
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science with Education or Arts degree with Education with two teaching subjects.
How can a primary school teacher become a secondary school teacher?
It is possible for a primary school to become a primary school teacher but they have to meet the following requirements:
- Must have a P1 certificate
- Must have a Bachelor’s Degree (Bed) in Education (with the 2 mandatory teaching subjects)
- Must have a KCSE Mean Grade of C+ (Plus) or its equivalent and a C+ in the two teaching subjects.
- Must be currently employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).