TSC trains deputy headteachers, ICT teachers on TPAD, TIMEC

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has launched a nationwide training programme for Deputy Headteachers and ICT teachers, equipping them with the latest skills in Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) and Teacher Induction, Mentorship and Coaching (TIMEC).

The initiative, coordinated by Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, is designed to strengthen school leadership, enhance professional accountability, and fast-track digital learning across the country.

According to the commission, deputy Head teachers are being trained to master TPAD, the official appraisal tool that tracks and develops teacher performance and ICT teachers to guide their peers in using TPAD and other digital tools efficiently — a step that reflects Kenya’s shift toward tech-driven education.

Mastery of TPAD ensures that teacher performance is aligned with national standards, creating a culture of accountability that directly benefits learners.

“ICT teachers are no longer limited to computer lessons. In this new training, they become enablers of school-wide digital competency. They learned how to support TPAD usage online, troubleshoot portal issues, and assist teachers struggling with digital uploads.”

Alongside TPAD, the Commission introduced the Teachers Induction, Mentorship, and Coaching programme (TIMEC), to support newly recruited teachers and those in leadership roles, like Deputy Headteachers.

The programme focuses on professional ethics, classroom leadership, and reflective practice. During the sessions, participants learnt to establish mentorship relationships, set mentee goals, provide constructive feedback, and foster professional collaboration.

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The programme encourages experienced teachers to mentor newer ones, creating a support network that boosts confidence and improves teaching quality.

According to TSC officials, these programmes are more than compliance exercises; they are strategic interventions to ensure Kenya’s teaching workforce is competent, accountable, and tech-savvy. Schools that embrace these tools see better classroom management, improved lesson delivery, and more effective teacher development.

“TPAD and TIMEC provide clear pathways for professional development, allowing teachers to improve continuously. When teachers are skilled, accountable, and digitally competent, students receive quality education that prepares them for the modern world.” Official said

The TSC’s strategic plan for 2023–2027 highlights professional development and technology integration as pillars of educational excellence. The TPAD and TIMEC training align perfectly with this vision. By combining leadership development, mentorship, and digital skills, TSC is preparing schools to meet 21st-century learning demands. Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei emphasized the importance of this approach, stating that the Commission is committed to building a professional, motivated, and tech-savvy teaching workforce. Her leadership ensures that these initiatives are implemented efficiently and reach schools across the country.

Teachers who participated in the programme have expressed optimism. One Deputy Headteacher noted, “I now understand how to use TPAD not just as an appraisal tool, but as a coaching and mentoring tool. It has transformed how I supervise lessons and guide teachers.” Another ICT teacher said, “We are no longer just tech teachers; we are facilitators of progress. Helping colleagues navigate TPAD and TIMEC has increased our relevance and value in the school.” These testimonials reflect a broader trend: teachers are embracing professional growth, digital tools, and mentorship as part of everyday school life.

TSC plans to scale up these trainings to reach every Deputy Headteacher and ICT teacher in the country. As Kenya navigates a rapidly changing educational landscape, the TPAD and TIMEC training programmes serve as a blueprint for sustainable school leadership, technological integration, and professional excellence.

By Hillary Muhalya