The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has made a significant announcement regarding the employment of teachers in Kenya.
They have stated that they will no longer employ P1 teachers, which means that teachers must upgrade their qualifications to remain competitive in the job market.
This has raised questions among teachers about whether TSC will indeed employ upgrading teachers to fill arising vacancies in the establishment.
Let’s delve into this topic to understand the situation better.
Why Upgrading is Important
The TSC now requires all primary school teachers (P1 teachers) and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers to upgrade in areas that they did not cover in their earlier training.
This upgrade is crucial and mandatory for all teachers, as the commission has taken a firm stand that it will not employ those who have not upgraded.
For those already in service, progressing in their career without an upgrading certificate will be challenging.
Therefore, upgrading has become a necessity for teachers looking to secure their positions and advance in their profession.
Upgrading Programs
According to the TSC, the upgrading of P1 teachers started in October 2021, aiming to boost the teachers’ credentials and elevate the teaching profession.
The upgrading programs consist of four slots for Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) and five slots for Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE).
These programs include comprehensive coursework and practice hours to enhance teachers’ skills and knowledge.
Key Details of the Upgrading Program
- Total academic hours: DPTE takes 786 hours, while DECTE takes 1176 hours.
- Teaching practice hours: Both PTE and ECDE upgrades utilize 300 hours of teaching practice.
- Subject coverage: P1 teachers only need to study subjects they did not cover in college.
Advantages of Upgrading
For unemployed P1 teachers, upgrading is an added advantage as they have enough time for enrollment.
For those in service, they can utilize holidays to initiate a mixed upgrade program, balancing work and study.
Requirements for Upgrading
- DPTE: For primary school teachers upgrading to DPTE, one must have a valid PTE certificate and be a registered teacher with the TSC. The course lasts for 1500 hours and is fully residential.
Upon completion, teachers receive a Diploma after passing a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) assessment.
- DECTE: For ECDE teachers upgrading to DECTE, one needs a valid ECDE certificate and TSC registration.
The course lasts for 1890 hours and is fully residential. Like DPTE, it requires 300 hours of teaching practice and a KNEC assessment for the Diploma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading for P1 and ECDE teachers is essential for career advancement and job security in Kenya.
To step onto a brighter path in the teaching career, it’s crucial for teachers to take the time and effort to upgrade their qualifications.
TSC will employ upgrading teachers to fill arising vacancies, making it a worthwhile investment in one’s professional development.
FAQs On Upgrading Teachers
Q: Will TSC employ P1 teachers who have not upgraded?
A: No, TSC has announced that it will no longer employ P1 teachers who have not upgraded their qualifications.
Upgrading is now mandatory for all P1 teachers seeking employment with TSC.
Q: When did the upgrading of P1 teachers start?
A: The upgrading of P1 teachers started in October 2021, as announced by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Q: What are the benefits of upgrading for teachers?
A: Upgrading allows teachers to enhance their qualifications, making them more competitive in the job market.
It also provides opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
Q: How many slots are available for the DPTE and DECTE programs?
A: There are four slots for the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) program and five slots for the Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) program.
Q: Can unemployed P1 teachers enroll in the upgrading programs?
A: Yes, unemployed P1 teachers can enroll in the upgrading programs.
The upgrading is an added advantage for them, as they have enough time for enrollment.
Q: What are the requirements for upgrading to DPTE?
A: To upgrade to DPTE, one must have a valid PTE certificate, be a registered teacher with the TSC, and complete the 1500-hour course, including 300 hours of teaching practice.
Q: What are the requirements for upgrading to DECTE?
A: To upgrade to DECTE, one must have a valid ECDE certificate, be a registered teacher with the TSC, and complete the 1890-hour course, including 300 hours of teaching practice.
Q: Is upgrading residential?
A: Yes, both the DPTE and DECTE upgrading programs are fully residential.
Teachers are expected to cover all courses specified in the program.
Q: What happens after completing the upgrading program?
A: After completing the upgrading program and passing the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) assessment, teachers are awarded a Diploma in their respective programs.
Q: Can in-service teachers enroll in upgrading programs?
A: Yes, in-service teachers can enroll in upgrading programs.
They can utilize holidays to initiate a mixed upgrade program, balancing work and study.
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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.
