In 2017, Kenya witnessed a transformative shift in its education system with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), replacing the traditional 8-4-4 system.
Among its key components is Junior Secondary School (JSS), a vital stage in Middle School Education where learners transition from grade 6 to grade 7.
The responsibility of deploying and employing teachers for JSS falls under the purview of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
This article delves into the qualifications required for educators to teach at this level.
Qualifications for Graduate Teachers
Teaching at the Junior Secondary School level demands a specific set of qualifications, particularly for graduate teachers.
Here are the essential requirements:
- TSC Registration
Must be registered as a teacher with the Teachers Service Commission.
- Academic Achievement
Attainment of a mean grade of C+ (plus) at KCSE, with a similar grade in each of the two teaching subjects, either under the previous 8-4-4 system.
- Degree Requirement
Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Secondary option) with two teaching subjects.
A Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension with two teaching subjects is acceptable.
Alternatively, a Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree, coupled with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in two teaching subjects, meets the criteria.
- Specialization Units
During university studies, a minimum of eight units in each of the two teaching subjects is a prerequisite.
CBC Training
Completion of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) training, equipping teachers with the necessary skills for junior secondary education.
This will be sponsored and facilitated by the TSC once employed
Addressing Teacher Shortages: Lowered Requirements
Can I teach junior secondary with C plain?
Acknowledging the shortage of teachers for junior secondary schools, TSC has adjusted its deployment criteria.
If an applicant entered university with a KCSE mean grade of C (plain) but underwent bridging courses before pursuing a degree, they are considered eligible to teach at the JSS level.
Qualifications for P1 Teachers
The shortage of educators for junior secondary also led to the deployment of P1 teachers, albeit with specific requirements:
- P1 Certificate
Possession of a P1 certificate is mandatory.
- Academic Achievement
Attainment of a mean grade of C+ in KCSE, with a similar grade in two teaching subjects, either under the previous 8-4-4 system.
- Educational Credentials
A Diploma or higher national diploma in Education is required.
- Special Case
Hearing and visually impaired teachers enrolled in a diploma in education course with a mean grade of C (Plain) and C (Plain) in the two teaching subjects are also eligible.
- CBC Training
Completion of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) training is essential for P1 teachers to instruct junior secondary school students.
Diploma in Education Holders
Possess a Mean Grade of C+ (Plus) and C+ (Plus) in the two teaching subjects at KCSE.
Alternatively, obtained a Mean Grade of C (Plain) at KCSE.
Attained C (Plain) in the subjects of study at A–Level.
Obtained at least 1 Principle and 2 Subsidiaries for Sciences, or 2 Principles and 1 Subsidiary for Arts at A–Level.
Prior to undertaking a Bachelor of Education Degree.
Diploma Teachers
Minimum Mean Grade of C+ (Plus) at KCSE or its equivalent.
At least C+ (Plus) in the two teaching subjects.
Hearing and visually impaired teachers with a Mean Grade of C (Plain) and C (Plain) in the two teaching subjects are eligible.
Technical Teachers
Minimum Mean Grade of C+ (Plus) at KCSE or its equivalent.
At least C+ (Plus) in the two teaching subjects or one (1) Principle and two (2) Subsidiaries at ‘A‘-Level.
Must have one of the following:
Bachelor of Education Technology (BED TECH).
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in any relevant technical subject/course.
Higher Diploma in a technical course.
Diploma in a technical course.
Those under category (ii) must possess a Diploma in Technical Teacher Education from Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC).
Exclusions
Applicants in subjects not in the Secondary School Curriculum are ineligible, even with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or enhancement.
Applicants with degrees in subjects like Natural Resources, Meteorology, Forestry, Horticulture, Farm Machinery, Sociology, Animal Husbandry, Journalism, Fisheries, Anthropology, Biotechnology, Theology/Divinity are not eligible.
Subject Qualifications
Diploma Teachers with English/other subjects qualify for English/Literature teaching with sufficient units in both Language and Literature.
All applicants must have studied the two teaching subjects at KCSE unless exempted.
Graduate Teachers:
Should have studied a minimum of eight (8) course units in each teaching subject.
Must have studied Special Methods in their chosen subjects along with a minimum of three (3) months teaching practice.
Enhancement Certificates
Apply only where the minimum number of units was not covered during the degree/diploma program.
Third Subject Study
Applicants with a third subject must have studied all units for four years, including special methods and teaching practice.
Contract Employees
Former contract employees with terminated services due to inadequate units and now possessing enhancement certificates are eligible to apply.
Special Needs Education
Kenya Sign Language (KSL) and Braille are considered teaching subjects in Special Needs Education (e.g., Biology/KSL and Geography/Braille).
Salary for P1 Teachers in JSS
P1 teachers deployed to Junior Secondary Schools start at job group C2, remaining in this category for three years before an automatic transition to job group C3.
The salary structure includes a basic salary of 34,955, house allowance of 7,500, hardship allowance of 10,900, commuter allowance of 5,000, and a leave allowance paid annually in January amounting to 6,000.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the qualifications required to teach at the Junior Secondary School level in Kenya is crucial for aspiring educators.
The evolving landscape of education, marked by the shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum, necessitates adaptability and continuous learning.
As the country embraces this transformative journey, teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, one junior secondary student at a time.
For those meeting the specified requirements, submitting an application to the Teachers Service Commission opens the door to opportunities in the dynamic realm of Junior Secondary Education.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
