Special Cases in Teacher Intern Recruitment: Bridging Certificates and Additional Criteria

Special Cases in Teacher Intern Recruitment: Bridging Certificates and Additional Criteria.

The recruitment of teacher interns is a critical process aimed at ensuring that schools are staffed with qualified and capable educators.

Among the applicants, some may have unique circumstances that require special consideration, particularly regarding bridging certificates and additional criteria.

This article delves into these special cases as outlined in the guidelines for the 2024/2025 financial year.

1. Understanding Bridging Certificates

Bridging certificates are essential for candidates who may not have met the conventional academic requirements for teacher internships.

These certificates allow individuals to fill gaps in their education, thereby enabling them to qualify for teaching roles.

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Eligibility for Bridging Certificates

• Applicants who completed bridging/pre-university courses before December 31, 2015 are eligible for consideration. These certificates serve to enhance the academic profile of candidates who may not have achieved the required mean grades in their initial qualifications.

2. Additional Criteria for Graduate Teachers

Certain academic backgrounds allow for flexibility in eligibility, particularly for graduate teachers. Here are the criteria under which they may apply:

Bachelor of Education Holders

1. Mean Grade Considerations: Candidates holding a Bachelor of Education with a mean grade of C (Plain) and C (Plain) in their two teaching subjects at KCSE can qualify if they have also completed a Diploma in Education.
2. Alternative Pathways: Applicants who achieved a mean grade of C (Plain) at KCSE and obtained at least one principal and two subsidiary passes at A-Level before pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree are also eligible.

Diploma in Education Holders

Diploma holders with a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) at KCSE, alongside C+ (Plus) in the two teaching subjects, qualify for recruitment.

They must also have obtained a Bachelor of Education degree afterward, which demonstrates their commitment to advancing their qualifications.

3. Unique Cases for Technical Teachers

Technical teachers may have special cases that need to be addressed during the recruitment process:

Qualifications and Relevance

• While applicants must hold a minimum mean grade of C+ (Plus) at KCSE, those with degrees in technical subjects must ensure their qualifications align with the current secondary school curriculum.
• Training in subjects that do not match the curriculum will disqualify candidates, regardless of additional qualifications like a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Considerations for Subjects

• Candidates with degrees in Economics, Commerce, or Accounting may apply for teaching positions in Business Studies.
• Those with a background in Social Education and Ethics (SEE) are eligible to teach CRE/IRE.

4. Other Special Considerations

Previous Employment History

Applicants who were previously employed under contract and whose services were terminated due to a lack of adequate units in their teaching subjects can still apply if they have obtained enhancement certificates demonstrating they have since completed the required coursework.

Special Needs Education

For candidates specializing in Special Needs Education, qualifications in Kenya Sign Language (KSL) and Braille are also considered valid teaching subjects. This inclusion allows for combinations like Biology/KSL and Geography/Braille, expanding opportunities for those with relevant training.

Conclusion

The recruitment of teacher interns involves consideration of various special cases, including bridging certificates and additional criteria.

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Understanding these unique qualifications is crucial for aspiring teachers seeking to enhance their eligibility and contribute effectively to the education sector.

By recognizing diverse educational pathways and special circumstances, the recruitment process can become more inclusive and supportive of various applicants.

Special Cases in Teacher Intern Recruitment: Bridging Certificates and Additional Criteria.

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