OVERVIEW OF TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TPD IN KENYA

OVERVIEW OF TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (TPD) IN KENYA TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION

BACKGROUND • Research has proved that pre service training alone do not equip teachers with all the necessary knowledge, skills , values and attitudes for effective teaching. Hence the need of continuous professional development of teachers to bridge the gap. • Teacher Professional development are either formal or informal activities that registered teachers undertake in order to continuously improve their pedagogical skills, management skills and learner outcomes.

RATIONALE FOR TPD IN KENYA • Constitution of Kenya- Education st century demand: • 21 is human right these learners in the 21 st • Vision 2030: Under social pillar, century are confronted with increasingly complex Kenya aspire to be a Knowledge social cultural, economic, base economy country technological, and global challenges; teachers • Basic Education Act: Free and compulsory basic education to all therefore must prepare learners who possess learners sophisticated, diversified, and complementary • Global trend : It is the best competencies that will practice for professional growth enable them to navigate • SDG 4 : Access to quality through these challenges. education through quality teaching

Activity # 1 In groups, discuss the current practice of teacher professional development in Kenya From your discussion, how best should teacher professional development be practiced in the country

The Legal Framework for Teacher Professional Development • The Constitution of Kenya (2010) established the Teachers Service Commission as a constitutional Commission through Article 237 (1) with an exclusive mandate on teacher management. • Further, the Commission has a statutory mandate through the TSC Act, 212 sections 11(e) to facilitate professional development for teachers. • The mandate is also amplified in Section 35(2) (a) and (b) of the Act, and Regulations 48 &49 of CORT.

Conceptualization of TPD in Kenya • TPD is focused on: 1. classroom teaching and learning in context, 2. student needs, 3. supporting teacher development, and 4. addressing the systemic needs of teachers, schools, and sub counties • The backbone of the TPD is the Kenya Professional Teaching Standards (Ke. PTS), which require the teacher to acquire competencies that will enhance 21 st Century learning

Kenya Professional Teaching Standards (Ke. PTS) • Standard 1: Teacher Promotes Professionalism throughout their Career • Standard 2: Teacher has Pedagogical. Content Knowledgeand understanding of competence based Curriculum and how to implement it. (Ke. PTS) • Standard 5: Teacher Knows and Promotes Comprehensive School Health and Safety • Standard 6: The Teacher has Knowledge of Financial Literacy Skills • Standard 7: The Teacher Knows and Promotes Instructional Leadership

Delivery of TPD • TPD will be delivered by registered TPD Service providers using prescribed modules. • All Teachers are expected to enroll for a TPD module relevant to the teachers experience and professional growth. • There shall be face to face session once a year during the school holiday and online sessions

Assessment of TPD • TPD will be evaluated based on authentic assessment which will include : • Reflective journal • Participant led final synthesis • Individual Professional Portfolio development and Presentation

Accreditation of TPD Service Providers • The Commission is in the process of signing contracts with reputable organizations selected competitively to offer prescribed Teacher Professional Development programmes on behalf of the Commission. • Teachers are expected to register with a provider of their choice. • TPD programme will be funded by: Government, Teachers and both local and international partners

RENEWAL OF TEACHING CERTIFICATE • Upon commencement of the TPD Programme, all serving teachers will be required to acquire Teaching Certificate renewable every 5 years, while the subsequent applicants for Certificate of Registration will be issued with both certificates.