By Festus Muinde
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has released an induction model for the newly recruited teachers ahead of the resumption of learning in all schools country wide after the August 2022 general elections.
The model titled MOHA TSC HR, seen by Education News on 15th August, 2022 spells out clearly the required teaching standards and modalities of measuring performance through regular checks and appraisals.
In the model, teachers are expected to be discreet in the use of teaching and learning resources. They must also exhibit mastery of subject content and appropriate pedagogical skills.
The employer also expects the teachers to evaluate the learners and offer timely feedback to them regarding their accomplishments.
Accordingly, every teacher is mandated to maintain certain records all the time which include syllabi of relevant cycle of education approved by Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, schemes of work, lesson plan, records of work, lesson notes, learners’ progress records and class attendance register among others. The records should be provided at any time on demand.
The teachers are also expected to advance their professionalism and competencies through a professional development programme offered at intervals in line with TSC directives after which the trainees earn points and a certificate. This also forms part of the teachers’ performance appraisal rating.
TSC notes that failure by any teacher to attain this teaching certificate may lead to withdrawal of their Certificate of Registration.
Moreover, teacher performance appraisal will be done termly through the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) programme based on agreed set of targets in professional knowledge and application, time management, innovation and creativity in teaching, learner protection, safety, discipline and teacher conduct, promotion of co-curriculum activities, professional development and collaboration with parents, guardians and stakeholders.
“The results of your appraisal will form the basis for assignment, promotion, training, retention, career progression and termination,” the induction model reads..
On top of being professional at work, teachers should be role models to the learners through upholding the dignity and reputation of the profession, even as they respect the high authority in the academic arena and the employer in general.
To maintain professional ethics, they are advised to read and understand the code of regulations for Teachers (2015), Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers (2015), and any other relevant Acts of parliament.
More importantly they are expected to protect and care for children including those with special needs, maintain appropriate dress code and grooming and observe official working hours.
“Teachers who breach the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015) will face disciplinary action, ranging from warning to removal from the Register of Teachers,” the induction model further reads.
Among the offences that can lead to dismissal and removal from the Register of Teachers include: engaging in sexual relationship or activities with a learner whether the learner consents or not; sexual harassment or flirtation. This includes seducing, touching and generally making sexual advances to learners of any learning institution, sodomy, where a male teacher has sexual relationship or activity with a male learner, lesbianism – where a female teacher has sexual relationship or activity with a female learner.
Other misconducts that can render a teacher be removed from the TSC register include theft of school property,mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, forgery of academic or professional certificates, conviction on criminal offence, inciting learners to disobey law among others.
Refusal or failure to attend co-curricular activities, negligence of duty, insubordination and chronic absenteeism are also serious offences although they do not warrant the removal of a teacher from the employment register.
The law also bars teachers from engaging in political party politics and elections campaigns or any business or contract/employment that may compromise their professionalism as provided for in the TSC Act. 2012, the code of Regulations for Teachers (20150, code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers (2015) and other relevant laws.
Drug abuse, pornography and disorderly mannerisms are prohibited amongst teachers. The law also provides for collection and dispensation of appropriate funds accordingly.
About 10,000 primary and secondary school teachers were recruited by the commission in August, 2022.
The directives serve as guidelines to the newly recruited teachers in their service delivery as they assume their duties in the course of the month.
