Perhaps you have been tarmacking too long after graduating with your Diploma or bachelor's degree in Education. Maybe your efforts to get employed by the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, have been in vain after attempting several times. And you are at the blink of giving up on the teaching profession. You are not alone my dear friend. There are thousands of graduate teachers out there who find themselves in this precarious situation.
I met this graduate teacher, sometimes back, who was so
desperate for TSC employment. The teacher was willing to pay the price if only
there could be an assurance of clinching that elusive TSC job. After many years of
attending interviews, in vain, the teacher was so disappointed that all this
while there was no chance of getting into the TSC payroll.
Many desperate graduate teachers have fallen prey to conmen
and women who promise to deliver TSC employment letters. Truth be told these
fraudsters have no connections at the Commission and hence end up piling more
misery on the desperate job seekers.
The process of recruiting teachers in Kenya is crystal clear and in fact it is done in a transparent manner. The process is flawless and one is allowed to launch a complaint to the Commission head office if she/ he is shortchanged during the recruitment process.
But, did you know that you can enhance your chances of
getting TSC employment ahead of your competitors? It is so easy. Consider the
following and maximize your chances.
TSC MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Before you dive into the teaching profession, ensure that
you have read and understood the current minimum requirements for one to be
certified by TSC. For example, if you are intending to pursue a Bachelors of
Education Degree Programme you must have scored a minimum of a C+ in each of
the two teaching subjects you wish to teach at high school. This requirement has
locked out many graduates. For instance, if want to be a Maths/ Physics Teacher
then you must have a minimum of a C+ in each of these two subjects. Again, it
is prudent that you choose your teaching subjects carefully.
In short, select the two subjects where you have performed
well. This is because in case of a tie during the TSC recruitment interviews,
then the panelists will consider the performance of the tying applicants at
KCSE.
SUBJECT COMBINATION
The subjects you choose to study at the university or
college play a significant role in terms of how fast you will be absorbed by
TSC. I never to to say this but some subjects are more marketable than others.
This is simply because some subjects are flooded with unemployed graduates.
PERFORMANCE AT KCSE AND UNIVERSITY/ COLLEGE
Your KCSE mean grade sometimes come in handy during TSC
recruitment sessions. In case two applicants tie, then the panelists will have
a look at the candidate with a stronger KCSE certificate. The strength of your
diploma or degree certificate also plays a key role in the marks you garner,
according to the
latest TSC Recruitment guidelines and marking scheme.
PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
Applicants who actively participate in Co-curricular
activities have the upper hand in clinching TSC slots. Try to at least
participate in one or two Co-curricular activities and ensure you are
certified or given a recommendation letter to that effect.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMES
The Commission has enlisted the services of teachers working
on the internship programme. In the past, such teachers have had an added
advantage over their colleagues since TSC
produced marking schemes favoring the Intern teachers.
PRESENTATION AND FIRST IMPRESSION
The first impression you create lasts longer. Be smart
during interviews. Try to be eloquent. Above all be sincere.
YEARS STAYED OUT AFTER GRADUATION.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, I should say, the
current TSC recruitment guidelines and marking scheme favor
graduates who have stayed out longer. The longer you stay out the more marks
you are awarded.
Finally, do not give up. Never pay fraudsters who give false employment promises.