The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced its intention to discontinue the Primary Teachers Certificate Training (PTE) course, commonly referred to as the P1 certificate program in 2024.
The decision stems from the TSC’s review of the laws governing the teaching profession, eliciting mixed reactions from stakeholders in the sector.
READ ALSO: TSC Asks P1 Teachers To Get the Following Documents Ready
According to TSC, the entry qualification for teacher training will now begin at the diploma level.
Besides, the commission proposes that individuals aspiring to become teachers must have attained a minimum of a C plain overall, with at least a D+ in Mathematics and a C– in English subjects.
TSC has pledged to present the proposal for the review of teaching requirements in parliament, following consensus with the education ministry.
KNUT SG Collins Oyuu with TSC CEO Dr Nancy Macharia ; Image/File
While defending the move, TSC asserts that the reforms align with constitutional provisions and are informed by recommendations from the presidential working party on education reforms.
Consequently, TSC’s hiring criteria may no longer include candidates with a primary education certificate. Instead, emphasis will be placed on individuals who have completed a degree program.
READ ALSO: TSC Analysis on Salary Scales and Job Grading System for Teachers
The commission urges teachers currently employed with a PTE Certificate to pursue diploma-level qualifications to meet the requirements of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Currently, a Diploma in Education is recognized as the minimum requirement for those entering the teaching profession.
Besides, the commission allows for post-training upgrade certificates for individuals who have completed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), PTE, DTE, BED, DIP ED, and SNE training programs.
TSC proposes that teachers with the aforementioned qualifications will be certified to teach children in grades 1 to 3, as well as those in grades 4 to 6.
