Teacher Quits Profession After Eight-Year TSC Job Search and Interview Loss to Former Student.
A Board of Management (BOM) teacher at Mwahima Secondary School in Likoni, John Mukulo, has announced his departure from the teaching profession.
Mukulo, who has taught History and Christian Religious Education (CRE) since graduating in 2016, cited the challenges of securing employment with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as his primary reason for leaving.
Despite his dedication and recognized performance, Mukulo’s efforts to gain permanent employment have consistently fallen short.
Since starting his career under BOM contracts, Mukulo has felt let down by TSC’s shifting recruitment policies, which have rendered his over 20 recommendation letters nearly useless.
Over his eight years of teaching, he noted, he has never received preference in interviews.
In 2019, Mukulo ranked third in Mombasa county for his CRE teaching, yet this achievement did not lead to TSC employment, leading him to feel his efforts have gone unrecognized.
Why Mukulo Chose to Leave
In an exclusive interview, Mukulo revealed that his decision to quit was cemented during a recent TSC internship interview at Likoni VI.
During the interview, he was taken aback when one of his former students, a young woman from Nyeri whom he had taught, also attended as a candidate in her own specialization.
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Despite his years of experience, Mukulo was unable to meet the interview requirements, while his former student excelled, placing in the top three.
This experience deeply impacted him, making him feel unvalued and as though he was competing against the very students he hoped to inspire.
Mukulo reflected on this moment with mixed emotions. While he felt pride in his student’s success, the realization of competing directly with a former pupil was difficult for him to process.
He noted that teachers want to see their students succeed, yet he felt discouraged that his own opportunities had been stifled.
Persistent Challenges and Personal Pressures
Mukulo acknowledged that his prolonged unemployment had caused strain among those who had supported his education, who had anticipated that he would eventually be in a position to help them.
With most of his peers securing stable employment, the pressure from his parents and sponsors has become overwhelming, leaving them increasingly disappointed and concerned about his future.
Mukulo explained that these expectations had been weighing heavily on him and contributed to his decision to seek other opportunities outside teaching.
Mukulo’s wife, a fellow graduate who finished in 2017, has also faced similar obstacles in securing a TSC position, adding to their shared frustration.
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Mukulo expressed a hope that TSC recruitment policies might evolve to better support aspiring educators, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s education system.
As he steps away from his teaching career, Mukulo voiced his wish for improved opportunities that would foster growth and stability for teachers across the country.
Conclusion
The cumulative effects of shifting recruitment standards, unmet personal expectations, and an emotionally challenging interview experience have driven Mukulo to seek alternative career paths.
As he leaves the profession, Mukulo hopes for a future where educators’ dedication and qualifications are fully recognized, allowing them to make lasting contributions to Kenya’s educational landscape.
Teacher Quits Profession After Eight-Year TSC Job Search and Interview Loss to Former Student.
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