Nancy Macharia Pleads With Headteachers To Treat JSS Teachers Well .
Nancy Macharia Pleads With Headteachers To Treat JSS Teachers Well . TSC’s Nancy Macharia Urges Headteachers to Support JSS Teachers Amid New Internship Rollout.
Dr. Nancy Macharia, CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), has called on primary school headteachers, who are also acting as Junior Secondary School (JSS) principals, to support JSS teachers. Speaking at the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) conference in Mombasa, Dr. Macharia emphasized the financial challenges faced by JSS teachers, who receive a modest stipend rather than a full salary, and urged headteachers to foster a supportive work environment.
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JSS intern teachers currently earn a stipend of Kshs. 20,000, reduced to about Kshs. 17,000 after statutory deductions, making their income lower than that of their permanent colleagues. Dr. Macharia encouraged headteachers to help these teachers by covering school meal costs and assisting with transport to training sessions, as their collaboration is essential for implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in schools.
Conflicts have reportedly arisen between JSS teachers and primary headteachers due to issues such as perceived superiority, concerns over school funds, and alleged immaturity. Some JSS teachers feel they should have a say in managing JSS finances, while others sense resistance from headteachers who view them as competition. Additionally, the economic strain on JSS teachers has led to frustration and strained relations.
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The TSC is currently verifying documents for 20,000 new JSS intern teachers, with the process set to conclude by November 15. Successful candidates will sign a one-year internship agreement and begin placements in early January 2025. In preparation, TSC will conduct training on CBC and Competency-Based Assessments (CBA) from December 2 to December 5.
As part of this internship, participants will gain experience through mentorship, coaching, and hands-on teaching. Although unpaid beyond the stipend, interns will receive certificates upon completion, with a potential boost in future permanent job opportunities, as TSC awards extra points to former interns in hiring decisions.
