TSC Requires Teachers to Attend TPD Training
TSC Requires Teachers to Attend TPD Training. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has issued a directive for all educators to gear up for the impending resumption of the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) training program. This initiative, set to unfold in various TSC-approved centers, marks a significant shift from previous years, garnering substantial backing from the government. The overarching aim is to elevate the quality of teaching and learning experiences across all educational institutions.
In a bid to ensure the seamless execution of this program, TSC extended an invitation with a deadline set for February 14, 2024. This call was directed at all educational institutions aspiring to conduct training sessions for teachers, urging them to submit their applications for consideration. The commencement of the training is scheduled for December 2024, conveniently aligning with the school holiday period when academic institutions are closed.
Despite the announcement, there remains a cloud of uncertainty regarding whether teachers will continue to bear the financial burden of this somewhat controversial program or if the government will step in to alleviate the cost. The teaching fraternity is looking towards the president, who pledged during his 2022 political campaign, promising to shoulder the expense of such training initiatives. He specifically mentioned that the government should support capacity-building training, including the Teacher Continuous Professional Development, at no cost to the trainers.
The inception of TPD can be traced back to September 2021, a move that was met with resistance from teachers. Fast forward two years and the program will once again be in the spotlight. Among the institutions selected to deliver this professional training are Riara University and the Kenya Education Management Institute, with Mt Kenya University and Kenyatta University also contributing to the initiative.
For those educators who embarked on the TPD journey, a financial commitment of Ksh 6,000 annually was required. This fee covers six modules, each spanning several years. The most recent training sessions saw teachers engaging in evening and night classes, culminating in the issuance of a certificate upon completion of five areas of the introductory module.
The pivotal areas covered in this introductory module are designed to fortify the foundational skills and knowledge of educators. These include:
Teacher Professionalism: Focusing on the ethical and professional standards expected of teachers.
CBC Pedagogy and Inclusive Practices: Exploring the Competency-Based Curriculum and Strategies for Inclusive Education.
Assessment: Delving into various assessment techniques and their application in measuring student learning.
Comprehensive School Health and Safety: Addressing the physical and emotional well-being of students within the school environment.
Instructional Leadership and Financial Literacy: Enhancing the leadership skills of teachers and equipping them with financial literacy to manage resources effectively.
As the TPD program gears up for its next phase, educators are poised to embark on a journey of professional growth and development. The support from the government underscores the importance placed on quality education and the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future of learners. The hope is that this initiative will not only elevate the standards of teaching but also create a more enriching and inclusive learning environment for students across the country.