TSC Boss Nancy Macharia Outlines JSS Teachers Recruitment and Retraining for CBC Implementation.
In a CBC Engagement Forum, Nancy Macharia, CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), outlined the government’s extensive efforts to ensure that teachers are adequately prepared for the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
She emphasized the significance of the government’s commitment to retooling educators, particularly in the context of the rapidly expanding Junior Secondary School system.
Recruitment and Deployment of Teachers
Macharia began by announcing that the government had allocated significant resources to address teacher shortages, particularly at the Junior Secondary level.
She revealed that over 46,000 teacher interns across primary, junior, and secondary schools had been converted to permanent and pensionable terms.
Dr. Macharia pointed out that out of these, 395 teachers had been specifically recruited for Junior Secondary School, marking a pivotal step in bridging the gap in teaching staff.
Additionally, Macharia shared that 8,378 qualified primary school teachers, who had advanced their qualifications, were reassigned to Junior Secondary Schools to further fill the gap.
The government, she said, had also allocated KSh 4.8 billion to recruit another 20,000 intern teachers, who would begin their duties in January.
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“This is a major milestone for the TSC,” Macharia stated, noting that by January, a total of 76,000 teachers would be deployed to handle the Junior Secondary schools.
Re-tooling Teachers for the CBC
Macharia then shifted focus to the government’s concerted efforts to retool teachers to meet the demands of the CBC.
She acknowledged that teachers in Kenya are well-trained and adaptable, pointing to their ability to adjust during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, she emphasized that the new curriculum required targeted training to ensure a smooth transition.
Since 2019, the TSC has been working diligently to equip teachers with the necessary skills for the new curriculum.
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By September 2021, a total of 229,292 teachers had been trained in both the Competency-Based Curriculum and Competency-Based Assessment.
This, Macharia explained, was part of an ongoing initiative to support educators as they embrace new methods and assessments tailored to the CBC.
“The government recognizes the need for continuous professional development,” she added, highlighting the importance of regular retraining to meet evolving educational needs.
As the school year opens in January, the government’s proactive steps, including the recruitment of more teachers and the retraining of existing staff, aim to ensure that the country’s education system adapts efficiently to the demands of the CBC.
TSC Boss Nancy Macharia Outlines JSS Teachers Recruitment and Retraining for CBC Implementation.
