The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya has been diligently working towards improving the quality of education and teacher professionalism through its 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.
This article provides an overview of the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned during the implementation of the plan. It also highlights the key stakeholders and factors influencing the successful execution of the plan.
The Three Pillars of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan
The 2019-2023 TSC Strategic Plan was built on three pillars, focusing on Teacher Competence, Conduct, and Performance Management; Reforms and Innovations in the provision of teaching services; and Service Delivery Re-engineering. Each pillar played a crucial role in enhancing the education system and the teaching profession in Kenya.
Key Achievements of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan:
During the review period, the TSC achieved several notable milestones, showcasing its commitment to improving the education landscape:
a) Development of a Policy Framework for Teaching Service Entry Requirements: The creation of a comprehensive framework for teacher recruitment and entry ensured a more qualified and competent teaching workforce.
b) Teacher Induction, Mentorship, and Coaching (TIMEC) Policy: Institutionalizing this program led to improved support for new teachers and better mentorship opportunities, positively impacting their professional growth.
c) Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) Tool: The successful implementation of this tool allowed for comprehensive teacher evaluations, leading to increased teacher-learner contact time and improved lesson preparation.
d) Recruitment of Additional Teachers: The hiring of 35,000 additional teachers addressed the teacher shortage, ensuring better student-teacher ratios and improved learning environments.
e) Implementation of Teacher Internship Policy: The engagement of 54,300 teacher interns through the years provided practical teaching experience and enhanced future teacher prospects.
Challenges Faced During Implementation:
Despite the commendable achievements, the TSC faced several challenges during the implementation of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan:
a) Resource Constraints: Limited funding and resources posed challenges in executing certain programs and initiatives, hindering their full potential impact.
b) Teacher Retention: The high rate of teacher turnover remained a concern, affecting continuity and stability in schools, especially in remote areas.
c) Curriculum Implementation: The shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum required extensive retooling of teachers, which, although successful, was a significant undertaking for the commission.
d) Technological Integration: While progress was made in automating processes and systems, some teachers faced difficulties adapting to technology-based solutions.
Lessons Learned for Future Planning:
The review of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan yielded valuable insights that can guide future planning and implementation efforts:
a) Continuous Professional Development: Emphasizing ongoing teacher training and development can foster a more skilled and adaptable teaching workforce.
b) Inclusivity and Equity: Addressing teacher shortages and deployment in underserved regions is crucial to ensuring equitable access to quality education.
c) Technology Integration: Striving for a seamless and user-friendly integration of technology can lead to improved administrative efficiency and teacher productivity.
d) Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and communities, is essential for successful plan execution and support.
Influential Factors for the 2023-2027 Plan:
Looking ahead, the TSC must consider several internal and external factors that could influence the implementation of its future strategic plan, such as changes in government policies, funding allocations, and shifts in the education landscape.
The review of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan of the TSC reveals significant achievements and valuable lessons learned in the pursuit of enhancing the quality of education and teacher professionalism in Kenya.
With a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and the factors influencing future planning, the TSC is better equipped to design and execute the upcoming 2023-2027 Strategic Plan successfully. By building on the successes and addressing the challenges, the TSC can continue to make a positive impact on the education sector and the lives of Kenyan students and teachers.
