The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) now requires all the primary School teachers (P1 teachers) and ECDE teachers to upgrade in areas that they did not cover in their earlier training.
The upgrade is now important and mandatory to all teachers since the commission has declared firm stand that it will not employ those who have not upgrade.
For those who are already in-service, it will be so hard for them to progress in their career without an upgrading certificate.
According to TSC , upgrading of P1 teachers started in October 2021, aiming to boost the teachers credentials and lift their teaching profession.
Upgrading of teachers consists of four slots for Diploma Elementary Teacher Education (DPTE) and five for Diploma Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE)
Thea two programs include comprehensive coursework and practice hours.
A teacher who has upgraded successfully in program,has the ability of teaching every subject offered in your area of training.
Inside the upgrading program
- That the total academic hours for the upgrade programs: DPTE takes 786 hours,while DECTE takes 1176 hours.
- The PTE and ECDE upgrades utilizes 300 hours of teaching practice.
- That all P1 teachers only have to study in subjects they did not cover in college.
For the p1 teachers who are currently unemployed, the upgrading is an added advantage for them since they have enough time for enrollment
Requirements For P1 teachers upgrading to DPTE:
For Primary school teachers upgrading to DPTE, one must have a valid PTE certificate, be a registered teacher with the TSC.
Note alo that the upgrading course lasts for 1500 hours and it is fully residential in which one will be expected to cover all the courses specified in the Program for Upgradation of DPTE course.
The teacher will also be required to undertake 300 hours of teaching practice and also ensure that good ethics and behaviour are observed always.
Note that the teacher will be a awarded with a Diploma upon completing the required coursework and pass a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) assessment.
Requirements For ECDE teachers upgrading to DECTE:
For these category of teachers, they need a valid ECDE certificate and be registered with the TSC.
The course study in this area lasts for 1890 hours and it is also fully residential.
It is mandatory that one must cover all the courses specified in the Program inorder to have Upgradation of DECTE recognized.
P1 teachers in TTC training centre; Image/ Courtesy
The program also is slated for 300 hours of teaching practice and awarding of a Diploma will be issued to those who complete the required coursework and pass a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) assessment.
It is also a requirement for teachers to observe good ethics and behaviour during this period.
Therefore, to be on a safe side,as P1 or ECDE teachers take time and upgrade so as to step onto a brighter path in teaching career.
