26 Bachelor’s Degree Courses Banned by TSC [List]
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) issued a guideline limiting the validity of some Bachelor’s degree courses for those seeking to enter the teaching profession. This measure aims to ensure that prospective teachers possess degrees that align with the evolving demands of the education industry.
“Applicants for registration whose training is in subjects that are currently NOT in the curriculum do not qualify, irrespective of having undertaken a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Enhancement,” read part of the guidelines for registration of new teachers.
Those who completed a PGDE with these courses are not eligible to be registered as teachers.
According to TSC, these programs do not provide sufficient subject content, and therefore, the mastery of the content in two teaching subjects is not as adequate as required.
However, according to the commission, persons with a bachelor’s degree in science or arts, a post-graduate diploma in education (PGDE), and two teaching topics are eligible for registration.
26 Bachelor’s Degree Courses Banned by TSC [List]
1. Natural Resources.
2. Meteorology.
3. Forestry
4. Animal husbandry.
5. Horticulture
6. Farm Machinery
7. Fisheries
8. Anthropology
9. Sociology
10. Theology/Divinity
11. Journalism
12. Kiswahili and Communication.
13. Business Management and Administration
14. Banking & Finance
15. Genomics
16. Actuarial Science
17. Environmental Science
18. Criminology
19. Biotechnology
20. Courses related to engineering
21. Industrial Chemistry
22. Biochemistry
23. Hospitality and Tourism
24. Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics
25. Technology and Applied Biology
26. Microbiology.
Eligible to apply
Applicants with Economics/Commerce/Accounting degrees may apply for Business Studies.
Diploma Teachers with English/other subjects can work as English/Literature teachers if they have sufficient units in both language and literature.
Except for Agriculture, Business Studies, Home Science, and Computer Studies, all applicants must have completed the two required teaching courses at KCSE.
For individuals who did not study Business Studies or Computer Studies, a minimum grade C+ (Plus) in Mathematics at KCSE is necessary.
Those who did not study Agriculture and Home Science must have at least a C+ in Biology at KCSE.
Graduate teachers must have completed a minimum of eight (8) course units in each teaching subject. Furthermore, teachers must have completed Special Methods training in their two preferred teaching disciplines and have at least three (3) months of teaching experience.
Applicants who produce enhancement certificate(s)/official transcripts in teaching subject(s) from accredited institutions are eligible for employment if they received a C+ (Plus) on the enhanced issue at KCSE.
Furthermore, documentation of having taken courses on the subject’s teaching methods throughout the undergraduate program is necessary.
Applicants who have previously worked under contract, had their services terminated due to a lack of units in teaching subjects, and have since earned enhancement certificates with sufficient units are eligible to apply.
Kenya Sign Language (KSL) and Braille are taught as subjects in Special Needs Education, such as biology/KSL and geography/Braille.
The TSC’s justifications for banning these courses include the necessity for instructors to have certifications that accord with educational requirements.
The decision is influenced by factors like:
Curriculum Alignment: Ensure that teachers have degrees that are closely relevant to the curriculum they will teach.
Subject Expertise: Emphasizing the value of subject-specific expertise in effective teaching.
Educational Relevance: A focus on degrees that directly contribute to the improvement of the educational system.
Impact on Prospective Teachers: Prospective teachers who have finished or are seeking degrees in the below courses may have difficulties in acquiring TSC certification. Individuals in these areas must seek counsel from the TSC and consider alternative paths into the teaching profession.
Individuals affected by these limits can appeal to the TSC with additional information or grounds for consideration. The TSC will evaluate appeals on an individual basis, taking into account each person’s specific circumstances.
This directive underscores the TSC’s commitment to sustaining excellent teaching standards, ensuring that educators have qualifications that are relevant to the country’s changing educational scene. Prospective teachers are advised to stay aware about TSC standards and seek clarification as needed in order to effectively navigate these changes.
Next Steps for Affected Individuals:
Consult with TSC: Individuals having degrees in the aforementioned subjects should speak with the TSC to understand the unique requirements for gaining teaching certification.
In Our Other News: TSC Exit from Service Methods and Their Implications
Consider alternative routes: Those affected may need to consider alternative pathways to teaching certification, such as seeking extra pedagogical training or enrolling in recognized teacher training programs.
Stay informed: Individuals planning their teaching careers must stay informed of any modifications or additions to the approved list because the TSC examines and updates it on a regular basis.
26 Bachelor’s Degree Courses Banned by TSC [List]