In a bid to address the persistent teacher shortage in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced the deployment of 6,000 primary school teachers to JSS.
This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation and ensure learners receive quality education.
To qualify for deployment, teachers must currently serve under permanent and pensionable terms in public primary schools and meet specific academic requirements set by TSC. Applicants are required to have attained a minimum grade of C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with at least a C+ in two cluster subjects aligned to the JSS curriculum.
This ensures that only highly qualified teachers are entrusted with the responsibility of teaching in the evolving JSS environment.
This deployment program not only addresses teacher shortages but also offers numerous benefits to participating teachers. Among the key advantages is improved remuneration, allowing teachers to earn higher salaries as they take on greater responsibilities. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the education sector.
Teachers will also gain valuable experience in a dynamic system that requires adaptability, continuous learning, and innovative teaching approaches.
The deployment is strategically designed to strengthen JSS, which is a critical component of the CBC framework. By transferring experienced primary school teachers with the requisite qualifications, TSC aims to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of teachers in JSS, thus reducing the strain on existing staff and ensuring a smoother transition for learners in Grades 7, 8, and 9.
This initiative complements other measures taken by the government, such as the recent allocation of KSh 4.8 billion for the recruitment of 20,000 JSS teachers on internship terms and the training of over 60,000 teachers for JSS subjects between 2023 and 2024. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic challenges in the education sector.
The deployment of 6,000 primary teachers is a testament to TSC’s commitment to ensuring that all learners have access to quality education. By investing in teacher capacity and fostering professional growth, the commission is laying a strong foundation for the success of the CBC and the future of Kenya’s education system.
