Intern Teachers Blacklisted

Intern Teachers Blacklisted. Title: TSC Crackdown on Intern Teachers Ignites Dispute Over Contract Renewal.

Introduction

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has taken decisive action against intern teachers who declined to renew their internship contracts for a second year. Consequently, these teachers have been barred from future teaching opportunities with the TSC.

Refusal to Renew Contracts

The Commission received reports of intern teachers failing to report back to their stations in January, predominantly affecting those assigned to the junior secondary school section. As a result, the TSC has re-advertised vacancies and is currently accepting applications online.

Re-advertisement of Vacancies

In December, the Commission re-advertised 1,098 vacancies for junior school intern teachers who did not report to their schools after securing employment opportunities. The TSC explicitly stated that only intern teachers renewing their contracts would be considered for the payroll in 2025.

Dispute Over Extension

Intern teachers at the junior secondary school level opposed the contract extension, advocating for immediate confirmation to permanent terms after one year of service. Despite their stance, the Commission insisted on an additional year of service before confirmation.

Government Policy on Internship

The TSC has emphasized the government’s policy requiring teachers to undergo a two-year internship before absorption into permanent and pensionable terms. This policy change, endorsed by President William Ruto, aims to address staffing gaps in junior schools.

Union Protests

Intern teachers, affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), have protested against the TSC’s plan to extend the internship contract. They cite concerns such as inadequate stipends, deductions from earnings, and challenging working conditions in remote schools.

TSC Imposes Lifetime Ban On 23 Teachers.

Commission’s Stance

Despite the grievances raised by intern teachers, the TSC remains steadfast in its position, advocating for a two-year internship commitment before conversion to permanent and pensionable terms.

Guidelines For New Teacher Registration Aligned with CBC.

Acknowledgment of Shortages

Simultaneously, the TSC acknowledges severe teacher shortages in junior secondary schools, with CEO Nancy Macharia highlighting the need for 99,045 teachers against the current number of 56,928.

TSC Grants Intern Teachers Four Leave Days with Benefits.

Recruitment Plans

To address the shortage, the TSC plans to recruit at least 20,000 new teachers in the next financial year. However, challenges persist as schools reopening under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) face staffing shortages, and additional teachers will not be hired until July.

TSC To Hire Grade 9 Teacher Starting September.