TSC trains additional teachers for junior secondary schools

Teacher service commission CEO Nancy Macharia on August 28, 2023. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

The Teachers Service Commission has embarked on another round of training in readiness for the second class in junior secondary schools.

The exercise at the Jamhuri High School, Nairobi, is meant to equip teachers with skills to handle changing trends and class management as the education system shifts fully to the Competency-Based Curriculum.

''The new curriculum requires an innovative human capacity and revitalising the teaching profession will ensure quality, equity and relevance at all levels of education,'' said TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia.

Dr Macharia said the commission has already rolled out remote learning as an innovative strategy for alternative modes of curriculum implementation and sensitised 163,938 teachers.

This year alone, TSC has retooled 229,000 primary school teachers and 60,000 others for JSS.

Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association Chairman Johnson Nzioka said the training would improve human capital.

''Amongst the retooling aspects involves the shift of the education system to remote learning through digital apps. The technology will enhance teaching and learning with their students as well as providing features to enhance teacher-learner engagement,'' he said.

But Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association Chairman Kahi Indimuli cautioned that teacher shortage should be addressed.

"New year will bring a more chaotic environment, overcrowded classrooms since we will have two classes of JSS. Unless retooling is done to all teachers, we might see challenges we experienced this year,'' he said.

Indimuli said this year when JSS opened its doors, the commission absorbed 56,000 teachers to cover classroom mess.

''The most desperate shortages areas were surprisingly in science and mathematics which the government is making strides in providing quality education towards science, engineering, technology and mathematics (Stem),'' he stated.

At the same time, some teachers have raise concern on the criteria used to select those attending the exercise.

Evans Onditi, a teacher in Nairobi, said there is need for all JSS teachers to be retooled before learners get to class next month.

"This year we had our own share of problems as the system was rolled out. Teachers have been teaching subjects they did not specialize in and that is the spirit of retooling,'' Onditi said.

His sentiment was shared by Carolyne Muoki, saying it will make a greater impact on teachers' skills. "The current JSS requires an attractive and teaching workforce to promote lifelong learning. In-service training is a critical aspect, which promotes their continuous improvement,'' she said.

Mary Nyamu from Murang'a wondered why only science teachers were called for the training. ''When we came here, we got a rude shock that we were not listed as part of the team slated for the training. We joined the service with different areas of specialty but we were forced to teach different subjects. Retooling was best suited for us,'' Nyamu said.