TSC Reveals Why There Is A Perennial Shortage Of Teachers In Schools
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has revealed that the perennial shortage of teachers experienced in schools across the country is as a result of mushrooming of schools.
According to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer Dr Nancy Macharia, the mashrooming of schools in the country is a major contributor to the shortage of teachers across the country.
Dr Macharia emphasised that mushrooming of schools is putting pressure on the existing facilities, which are already inadequate for learners resulting in increased shortage every time.
Dr Macharia was addressing the mass at the National Schools Conference in Kisumu yesterday. She added that as much as the rote of the commission is to ensure optimal staffing in every school, teachers shortage has been compounded by mushrooming of schools and enrolment of students as a result of 100 per cent transition directive by the Ministry of Education.
Dr Macharia advised that mushrooming of schools is only necessary in hardship areas where the institutions are far apart.
She further noted that newly established schools near those that already have over 100 per cent enrolment are making staffing complicated.
“For instance, a girls’ school and a mixed school within the same locality. The girls’ school is very well enrolled, while the mixed school has one stream that has only 50 students. In this case, those children need teachers because they are learning the whole curriculum as well. In such a situation what happens is the commission get a headteacher and two other teachers from the girls’ school, and as a result, understaff the girls’ school which also needs all those teachers,” Dr Macharia explained.
Dr Macharia advised the ministry of education and other education stakeholders to contain the situation to enable TSC to staff one school well to take care of the catchment of a particular area.
She further explained that TSC receives funds every year to employ only 5000 teachers despite the government policy of 100 per cent transition from primary schools to secondary schools.
The TSC CEO also said that some parts of the country in the recent past have become extremely challenging as a result of insecurity caused by ethnic wrangles, terrorism etc and harsh environmental conditions.
It is a great challenge to post and retain teachers in such areas instead the commission is forced to transfer such teachers to a safer environment. Dr Macharia narrated.
The TSC CEO further urged school principals and headteachers to stop employing unregistered teachers under the Board of Management (BOM) to ensure the maintenance of quality education in the country.
She said that such a scenario poses a challenge in taking action on persons who are not registered by TSC when they abuse children.
Dr Macharia finally raised concerns on alarming cases of female teachers sexually abusing their students as indicated by the recent reports across the country.
