In a stern reminder issued to Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers across Kenya, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has declared the upcoming retooling exercise a mandatory national event. This directive applies to all JSS teachers except those who were recently contracted.
The retooling exercise, scheduled to take place from 2nd to 5th December 2024, aims to equip teachers with updated methodologies to effectively deliver the new curriculum. According to a communication from the TSC, any failure to attend this critical training could result in disciplinary action.
What is the JSS Retooling Exercise?
The retooling initiative is part of TSC’s broader strategy to enhance the competency of educators handling Grades 7 and 8 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Training sessions will cover:
- Subject-specific content delivery
- Assessment techniques for CBC
- Integration of ICT tools in teaching
Who Must Attend?
The TSC communication clarified that all JSS teachers are expected to participate except those recently contracted under internship or permanent terms. These individuals are considered exempt as their training requirements are already aligned with their recent onboarding.
TSC’s Warning: Non-Attendance Has Consequences
TSC has emphasized that failure to attend the training will not be taken lightly. The statement read:
“Disciplinary action might be instituted against you should you fail to attend.”
The Commission has not specified the nature of the disciplinary measures but hinted that non-compliance could impact future promotions and evaluations.
Logistics and Expectations
Teachers are advised to confirm their attendance through the TSC online portal and ensure compliance with the venue assignments provided. All participants are encouraged to prepare adequately by reviewing their teaching materials in advance.
Why This Matters
The retooling program reflects the government’s commitment to improving education quality. However, the stringent warning has raised concerns among educators who feel overburdened by administrative requirements.
