The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has recently revised the academic qualifications necessary for individuals who wish to pursue a degree in education. These changes affect both degree and diploma programs and are critical for anyone aspiring to enter the teaching profession in Kenya.
To avoid future disappointment, it’s important to be aware of these new requirements, and share the information with young people interested in pursuing teaching careers. Below are the updated guidelines:
For those intending to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, the minimum grades are as follows:
In the past, candidates could take bridging courses to meet certain subject requirements. However, bridging courses are no longer accepted to meet the new minimum qualifications.
Previously, students only needed a C+ (Plus) as an overall mean grade and C+ (Plus) in their teaching subjects. The changes now impose additional subject-specific requirements, such as the B- (Minus) in Mathematics and English.
The requirements for the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE) have also been updated. The minimum qualifications include:
Students are strongly advised not to enroll in education courses if they do not meet the above requirements. Doing so would result in disqualification from obtaining a TSC registration number upon graduation, which is mandatory for all teachers in Kenya.
Be cautious, as some universities may still admit students into education courses without the required qualifications. Such negligence can lead to future difficulties for the graduates when they seek their TSC numbers.
If you are a graduate who completed a degree or diploma in education under the previous requirements but have not yet applied for your TSC number, it is crucial to apply immediately. The new changes may complicate the processing of TSC numbers, and any delays could affect your professional registration status.
In conclusion, the TSC has implemented stricter guidelines for teaching qualifications to ensure quality education. Prospective teachers must be fully aware of these new requirements to avoid setbacks in their career progression.