The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the teaching profession.
When teachers engage in misconduct or violations, the TSC takes action to ensure accountability.
In this article, we’ll explore the TSC disciplinary process and what happens after interdiction, shedding light on the steps involved and the possible outcomes.
The TSC Disciplinary Process
#1. Identifying Offenses
The TSC takes disciplinary action against teachers for various offenses, which can be broadly categorized into three groups:
a. Immoral Behavior
- Sexual intercourse
- Sodomy
- Lesbianism
- Sexual harassment
b. Professional Misconduct
- Negligence of duty
- Lateness to duty
- Chronic absenteeism
- Desertion
- Incitement
- Insubordination
c. Infamous Conduct
- Drunkenness
- Fighting
- Conduct or behavior conflicting with the Constitution’s principles
- Forgery/presentation of forged documents
- Mismanagement, misappropriation, and embezzlement of public funds
- Any other conduct incompatible with the teaching profession
#2. Determination of a Discipline Case
After a teacher is interdicted and the necessary evidence is submitted, they have the opportunity to defend themselves in front of the Commission.
If they fail to appear during the hearing, the case proceeds without them.
From the evidence, the Commission may take several actions, including:
– Revoking the interdiction – Issuing a warning – Suspending the teacher from duty – Dismissing the teacher from service – Retiring the teacher in the public interest – Removing the teacher from the register of teachers
#3. Prohibition from Teaching
During interdiction, suspension, or removal from the registry, teachers are prohibited from teaching in any institution, whether public or private.
#4. Posting After Suspension
For teachers who have been suspended, they will be posted back to their positions 14 days before the suspension expires.
In cases of revocation and warning, posting happens immediately.
Teachers not receiving communication within 28 days after the hearing should inquire at the Commission Headquarters.
Professional Misconduct and Initial Warnings
In cases of minor breaches, a head of the institution may issue a verbal warning or a written caution.
For persistent misbehavior, the teacher may be required to justify why disciplinary action shouldn’t be taken against them.
Based on the teacher’s response, the institution’s head may issue a warning or escalate the case to the agent.
TSC Agent’s Role
The agent investigates, assembles evidence, invites the accused teacher to defend themselves, calls witnesses, and allows the teacher to cross-examine witnesses.
In cases of desertion with an unknown whereabouts, the agent may interdict without delay.
After the preliminary hearing, the agent can decide that there is “no case to answer,” issue an administrative warning, or interdict the teacher.
Conclusion
Maintaining high standards in the teaching profession is vital to ensuring quality education.
The TSC’s disciplinary process is a crucial mechanism for upholding these standards.
Teachers facing interdiction should be aware of the process and their rights.
In some cases, interdiction can occur without a preliminary hearing, so it’s important to act swiftly and responsibly in response.
Accountability ensures that the teaching profession remains honorable and trustworthy.
FAQs on TSC Interdiction
1. What is interdiction by TSC?
Interdiction by TSC is a temporary suspension of a teacher from duty pending the determination of a disciplinary case against them.
It is a serious action taken by the TSC in response to alleged misconduct or violations by a teacher.
2. What are the possible offenses that can lead to interdiction by TSC?
Offenses that can lead to interdiction by TSC include immoral behavior, professional misconduct (such as negligence of duty or incitement), and infamous conduct (such as drunkenness or misappropriation of funds).
3. What happens after a teacher is interdicted?
After interdiction, the teacher has the opportunity to defend themselves in front of the TSC.
If found guilty, the TSC may take various actions, including revoking the interdiction, issuing a warning, suspending the teacher, dismissing the teacher, retiring the teacher in the public interest, or removing the teacher from the register of teachers.
4. Can a teacher continue teaching during interdiction?
No, during interdiction, suspension, or removal from the register, teachers are prohibited from teaching in any institution, whether public or private.
5. What happens after a teacher’s suspension expires?
For teachers who have been suspended, they will be posted back to their positions 14 days before the suspension expires. In cases of revocation and warning, posting happens immediately.
If a teacher does not receive communication within 28 days after the hearing, they should inquire at the Commission Headquarters.
6. What is the role of a TSC agent in the disciplinary process?
The TSC agent investigates the case, assembles evidence, invites the accused teacher to defend themselves, calls witnesses, and allows the teacher to cross-examine witnesses.
The agent may also decide to interdict the teacher if there is evidence of desertion with unknown whereabouts.
7. What happens in cases of minor breaches or persistent misbehavior?
In cases of minor breaches, a head of the institution may issue a verbal warning or a written caution.
For persistent misbehavior, the teacher may be required to justify why disciplinary action shouldn’t be taken against them, and the case may be escalated to the TSC agent for further action.
Read Also — Related Content
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.
