The Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme was introduced by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to enhance the teaching and leadership skills of teachers in Kenya. Launched on September 22, 2021, the programme targets both primary and secondary school teachers in both private and public institutions. Here’s a detailed guide on how the TSC TPD programme works, its modules, costs, and the universities offering the course.
TSC TPD Programme:
The TPD programme aims to ensure continuous professional development for TSC-registered teachers. The training is mandatory for all teachers and is structured into modules that take place over the course of a teacher’s career, ensuring a continuous learning process that enhances their teaching and leadership abilities.
Cost of TPD Training:
- Annual Fee: Ksh 6,000
- Over the course of 30 years, a teacher will pay Ksh 180,000 for TPD training.
TPD Course Outline (Modules and Chapters):
The TPD course is divided into modules, each consisting of several chapters. Here is the breakdown of the structure:
- Introduction Module:
- Contains 5 chapters and takes 1 year to complete.
- Level 1 to Level 6 Modules:
- Each level has 5 chapters, with 1 chapter per year.
- Each level takes 5 years to complete.
- Maximum time allowed per level is 7 years.
Timeline to Complete the TPD Course:
- Total Duration: A minimum of 31 years is required to complete all six levels of the TPD programme.
- Renewal: Teachers must renew their TPD certificate every 5 years upon completion of a level.
TPD Training Institutions:
Several higher education institutions have been selected by TSC to offer TPD training, including:
- Mount Kenya University (MKU)
- Kenyatta University
- Riara University
- Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI)
These institutions began offering TPD training in December 2021.
Mode of TPD Learning:
- Face-to-Face Learning: Conducted during school holidays.
- Online Learning: Teachers can access online courses during their free time in school.
A TPD Mobile App is being developed by Mount Kenya University (MKU) to assist teachers in managing their training. The app will provide resources for registration, payments, learning materials, and communication.
TPD Certificates and Transcripts:
- Transcripts: After completing each chapter, teachers will receive a transcript, and a copy will be sent to TSC.
- Certificate: Upon completion of the full TPD course, teachers will be awarded a certificate, which is valid for five years and must be renewed periodically.
Conclusion:
The TSC TPD programme is designed to ensure continuous professional growth for teachers in Kenya, with a structured learning approach divided into modules. With an affordable cost, accessible learning options, and participation from well-established universities, the TPD programme ensures that teachers stay updated with new teaching methodologies and leadership skills.
This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the TSC TPD programme, covering the modules, costs, and the institutions offering training.