Latest TSC Qualifications Requirements for Junior and Senior School Teachers in Kenya
This article outlines the qualifications needed for secondary school teachers (Junior and Senior Schools) in Kenya, as established by the Teacher Service Commission (TSC).
Required Qualifications
The TSC has set various criteria for Kenyans aspiring to become secondary school teachers.
TSC Requirements for Graduate Junior and Senior School Teachers
To qualify, you must possess a Bachelor of Education degree in two teaching subjects, along with the following:
– A minimum mean grade of C+ or its equivalent.
– A C+ in both of your specialized subjects.
The TSC may also accept candidates with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree, provided they meet these criteria:
– A minimum mean grade of C+ in your O-levels.
– A C+ or higher in both specialized subjects.
Alternatively, you can qualify with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from an accredited university.
Note: Candidates with a Bachelor of Education degree, a minimum KCSE mean grade of C plain, and a C plain in their two specialized subjects may be considered if they have also completed a diploma in Education or possess A-Level qualifications.
Individuals with Bachelor of Science (BSc.) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Education are eligible if they have the required two teaching subjects.
Additionally, current primary school teachers who meet the following criteria also qualify:
– Must be a Kenyan citizen.
– Must possess a P1 Certificate.
– Must have a Bachelor’s Degree (BEd) in Education, including the two required teaching subjects.
– Must have a KCSE mean grade of C+ (or its equivalent) and a C+ in both teaching subjects.
– Must be currently employed by the TSC.
Technical Teachers
Similar to other requirements, technical teachers must have a minimum mean grade of C+ at KCSE or an equivalent qualification, such as a C+ (minimum) or a credit pass in their chosen specialization subjects, or 1 principal and 2 subsidiary passes at A-levels.
In addition, you should have one of the following qualifications:
– A Bachelor of Education in Technology (BEd Tech).
– A Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in relevant technical subjects or courses.
– A Higher National Diploma in an applicable technical field.
You should also hold a Diploma in Technical Teacher Education (DTTE) from the Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC) or a PGDE from an accredited university.
TSC Requirements for Junior and Senior School Teachers with a Diploma
To qualify, you must have a Diploma in Education from a recognized teacher training institution in Kenya. Additionally, you need to achieve a mean grade of C+ in your KCSE examinations (or above) and a C+ in both of your specialization subjects.
If you graduated with a Diploma in Teacher Education in 2008 or earlier, you must fulfill the following requirements:
– Achieve a mean grade of C plain or higher in your KCSE.
– Obtain at least a C plain in English.
– If you hold a science-based diploma, you need a minimum of C plain in Math; if your diploma is non-science-based, a minimum of D+ in Math is required.
Important Tips for Secondary School Teacher Qualifications:
If your degree is in a subject not offered in secondary schools, the TSC will not take into account your PGDE, even if you have since graduated. This applies to degrees such as Bachelor of Science (BSc) in fields like Forestry, Natural Resources, Petroleum Studies, Meteorology, Fisheries, etc.
The TSC will consider graduates in the following areas for teaching positions in Business Studies and IRE/CRE:
– Economics/Accounting
– Social Education & Ethics (SEE)
For diploma holders, you may apply for English/Literature teaching roles if you have a combination of English and another subject. However, for Agriculture, Home Science, Computer Studies, and Business Studies, you must have completed both specialization subjects at the KCSE level to qualify.
Additionally, if you did not take these subjects in Form 4, you must have scored at least a C+ in Math at the KCSE for Business Studies or Computer Studies, and at least a C+ in Biology for Agriculture or Home Science.
Candidates with enhancement certificates or transcripts from recognized institutions are eligible for employment. Those who were previously employed under contract but were terminated due to insufficient units in the teaching subjects, as per TSC approved combinations, can qualify if they have since obtained the necessary certificates in appropriate enhancement courses.
You must have completed at least 8 course units for each teaching subject to be eligible. If you did not achieve the required mean grade of C+ in relevant subjects at the KCSE, you should have taken a pre-university, bridging course, or A-level in those subjects, regardless of whether you are a degree or diploma holder.
Note: The TSC will only accept a bridging certificate if you have a C plain or higher in the relevant subjects and the bridging course must have been completed before enrolling in your teaching course.
The minimum qualification for teaching vacancies in secondary schools in Kenya is a Diploma in Education from recognized teacher training colleges in Kenya, along with TSC approved subject combinations.
Additional Requirements
To be considered for employment with the TSC, you must fulfill the following criteria:
– You must be a citizen of Kenya.
– Your age should not exceed 45 years.
– You need to be a registered teacher (possessing a TSC number) in accordance with Section 23 of the TSC Act.
If you have been registered as a teacher by the TSC but have not yet received your Certificate of Registration, you may submit a printout of your TSC number obtained online along with the original bank slip that shows your payment for registration.
Furthermore, if you lack any academic or professional certificates at the time of your application, you must demonstrate that you have applied to KNEC for verification of those certificates. It is your responsibility to follow up with KNEC within 14 days.
Employment for Senior and Junior School Teachers Over 45 Years
According to TSC guidelines, individuals over 45 years old can apply for teaching positions, but their employment will be on a contractual basis.
The TSC may hire teachers over the age of 45 for a contract lasting three years, which can be renewed based on satisfactory performance. These teachers can work until they reach the age of 65.