Government Collaborates with Stakeholders to Address Science Teacher Shortage.
The government has initiated efforts in collaboration with stakeholders, including the private sector, to address the critical shortage of science teachers in the country.
This was revealed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos, just a day after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) raised similar concerns about the gap in science teaching staff.
Migos highlighted that the Ministry of Education has made substantial investments in ICT infrastructure, teacher capacity building, and the development of digital content.
These efforts aim to ensure that teacher educators and trainees are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote digital literacy among students.
The launch of the ICT program comes at a crucial time when Competency-Based Teacher Education is gaining momentum, designed to align education with the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.
TSC Confirms Science Teacher Shortage
The announcement from the Ministry follows a statement made by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia during her appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee.
Macharia revealed that despite the availability of over 400,000 unemployed teachers nationwide, the commission faces significant difficulties in recruiting teachers for science subjects.
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This issue has exacerbated the challenges facing the education system, particularly in terms of access, quality, and equity.
The Ministry of Education has partnered with the private sector to address the gap in technology education.
The first phase of this initiative has already been completed, benefiting eight teacher training institutions out of the 35 public institutions in the country.
The second phase, which will include another eight institutions, is set to commence next month.
Private sector support has also come in the form of computer donations, with 400 to 600 computers being provided annually to various schools.
However, concerns have arisen over the sustainability of these efforts, as the transfer of trained teachers often leads to underutilization of ICT resources.
Preparing for the 21st Century Classroom
CS Ogamba, together with Joe Ogutu, the Board Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, officially introduced the “Scaling Digital Skills Programme in Teacher Training Colleges” at Machakos Teachers Training College.
This initiative, according to the Ministry, aims to strengthen the capacity of teacher trainees and educators to adapt to and thrive in the dynamic educational landscape, ultimately improving the quality of education across the country.
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A key component of the initiative is capacity building for teacher educators. It aims to enhance their skills in integrating ICT into learning and training, aligning with current educational needs.
This step is seen as crucial in promoting digital literacy, particularly within the framework of Competency-Based Teacher Education (CBTE).
Government Collaborates with Stakeholders to Address Science Teacher Shortage.
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