- TSC has developed new Teachers’ Career Progression Guidelines to replace the expired framework and provide a clear career pathway.
- Continued reliance on an expired CPG creates uncertainty for teachers who have gained qualifications and experience, affecting morale.
- SRC is urged to approve the new CPG on World Teachers’ Day to ensure clarity, fairness and recognition of professional growth.
As the world celebrates World Teachers’ Day, attention should turn not only to appreciating teachers for their contribution to society but also to addressing the professional challenges that affect their morale and career development.
In Kenya, one issue that deserves urgent attention is the approval of the new Teachers’ Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has already undertaken its part by developing a new CPG aimed at providing a framework for teachers’ career progression. The next important step is for SRC to consider and approve the framework so that teachers can have a clear and updated pathway for professional growth.
Expired Framework Creates Uncertainty
Teachers should no longer be subjected to interviews based on a career progression framework whose lifespan has already elapsed. Continuing to rely on an expired CPG creates uncertainty for teachers who have acquired additional qualifications, gained experience and taken on greater responsibilities.
Career progression should be guided by a current, clear and predictable framework that reflects the realities of the teaching profession.
A new CPG would provide an opportunity to establish clearer pathways for teachers to advance in their careers. Professional growth should recognise teachers’ experience, qualifications, competencies and responsibilities. Teachers who invest in their professional development should have confidence that their efforts will be recognised within a relevant and up-to-date career structure.
ALSO READ:
Teachers’ promotion revolution: Why 2028 will decide whether the new TSC career ladder delivers
Morale and Professional Growth
The issue is also about teacher morale. Teachers are expected to motivate learners, implement the curriculum, assess students, embrace new technologies and respond to increasingly diverse educational needs. They cannot be expected to give their best while remaining uncertain about their own professional progression.
Approving the new CPG would send an important message that teachers’ professional development matters. It would demonstrate that the institutions responsible for education and remuneration are willing to respond to changes in the profession and create conditions that encourage teachers to grow.
There is also a need for consistency and predictability in career progression. Teachers should know the requirements for moving from one level to another without having to depend on outdated provisions. A modern CPG can provide greater clarity and fairness while supporting continuous professional development.
Beyond Ceremonial Appreciation
As we mark World Teachers’ Day, it is therefore important to move beyond ceremonial appreciation. Teachers need policies and systems that translate appreciation into meaningful professional recognition.
TSC has played its part by developing a new CPG. The ball is now in SRC’s court to consider and approve it. Doing so would help provide teachers with a relevant career progression framework, reduce uncertainty arising from reliance on an expired CPG, and contribute to restoring and boosting teachers’ morale.
ALSO READ: Kenya’s child trafficking cases hit five-year high, raising education concerns
Teachers are responsible for preparing the next generation of doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals. They deserve a career progression system that keeps pace with their responsibilities and professional growth.
This World Teachers’ Day, therefore, should be a reminder that appreciating teachers is not only about celebrating what they do; it is also about creating professional conditions that enable them to thrive.
By Our Reporter
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
