The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plays a pivotal role in managing Kenya’s education sector, particularly through the establishment of well-structured job grades and salary scales for teachers. These grades were revised under the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), replacing the old alphabetical job groups (A to R). This article offers a simplified explanation of these job grades, salary scales, and the qualifications required for progression, ensuring teachers and education stakeholders clearly understand the new framework.
Key Highlights of TSC Job Grades
- Simplification of Grades:
The previous alphabetical job groups have been replaced with new grades categorized by T-Scales, making it easier to track career advancement. - Focus on Qualifications and Performance:
Career progression is largely determined by a teacher’s academic qualifications, years of service, and performance ratings. - Clear Salary Scales:
Each grade is tied to a specific salary scale, ensuring fairness and consistency in remuneration.
New TSC Job Grades and Salary Scales
Below is an overview of the new job grades for teachers in primary and secondary schools, categorized by designation, qualifications, and progression criteria.
1. Primary School Teachers’ Job Grades
| Grade | T-Scale | Designation | Entry Requirements/Promotion Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade B5 | 5 | Primary Teacher II | Entry grade for primary school teachers. Requires a KCSE mean grade of C (Plain) and a Primary Teacher Certificate (PTE). |
| Grade C1 | 6 | Primary Teacher I | Promotional grade after serving as Primary Teacher II for at least 3 years. |
| Grade C2 | 7 | Senior Teacher II | Entry to the administrative cadre. Promotion depends on availability of vacancies and three years as Primary Teacher I. |
| Grade C3 | 8 | Senior Teacher I | Requires serving three years as Senior Teacher II and meeting other appraisal criteria. |
| Grade C4 | 9 | Deputy Head Teacher II | Must have served three years as Senior Teacher I. |
| Grade C5 | 10 | Deputy Head Teacher I | Promotion after serving three years as Deputy Head Teacher II. |
| Grade D1 | 11 | Senior Head Teacher | The highest grade for primary school administrators. Requires serving three years as Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher I. |
2. Secondary School Teachers’ Job Grades
| Grade | T-Scale | Designation | Entry Requirements/Promotion Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade C1 | 6 | Secondary Teacher III | Entry grade for teachers with a Diploma in Education. Requires KCSE mean grade of C+ and C+ in two teaching subjects. |
| Grade C2 | 7 | Secondary Teacher II | For teachers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or equivalent qualifications. |
| Grade C3 | 8 | Secondary Teacher I | Promotional grade after three years as Secondary Teacher II. |
| Grade C4 | 9 | Senior Master IV | Entry grade for secondary school administrators. Requires three years as Secondary Teacher I. |
| Grade C5 | 10 | Senior Master III / Deputy Principal IV | Promotion requires three years as Senior Master IV and other qualifications. |
| Grade D1 | 11 | Senior Master II / Deputy Principal III | Entry grade for Deputy Principals after serving three years as Senior Master III. |
| Grade D2 | 12 | Senior Master I / Deputy Principal II | Promotion requires serving three years as Deputy Principal III and having a Master’s degree. |
| Grade D3 | 13 | Deputy Principal I / Principal | Entry grade for Principals. Requires serving as Deputy Principal II and meeting competitive criteria. |
| Grade D4 | 14 | Senior Principal | Promotion depends on availability of vacancies and a minimum of three years as a Principal. |
| Grade D5 | 15 | Chief Principal | The highest grade for secondary school administrators. Requires serving as Senior Principal for three years. |
Key Responsibilities for Each Job Grade
Primary School Teachers
- Primary Teacher II (Grade B5): Focuses on delivering curriculum content and classroom teaching.
- Primary Teacher I (Grade C1): Includes additional responsibilities like mentoring new teachers.
- Senior Teacher II/I: Administrative roles such as handling subject panels and assisting with school management.
- Deputy Head Teacher II/I: Act as the assistant to the head teacher, overseeing school operations and discipline.
- Head Teacher/Senior Head Teacher: Responsible for overall school management, staff appraisal, and student welfare.
Secondary School Teachers
- Secondary Teacher III/I: Involves classroom teaching and mentoring students.
- Senior Master IV-I: Includes departmental oversight, staff mentorship, and curriculum development.
- Deputy Principals: Responsible for assisting the principal in school management and policy implementation.
- Principals: Tasked with overall school management, including staff, financial, and academic oversight.
Salary Scales for TSC Job Grades
The salary attached to each grade is determined by the T-Scale. Below is an approximate breakdown of salaries for key grades:
| Grade | T-Scale | Monthly Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade B5 | 5 | 21,756 – 27,195 |
| Grade C1 | 6 | 27,195 – 33,994 |
| Grade C2 | 7 | 34,955 – 43,694 |
| Grade C3 | 8 | 43,154 – 53,943 |
| Grade C4 | 9 | 52,308 – 65,385 |
| Grade C5 | 10 | 62,272 – 77,840 |
| Grade D1 | 11 | 77,840 – 93,408 |
| Grade D2 | 12 | 93,408 – 110,000 |
| Grade D3 | 13 | 104,644 – 125,573 |
| Grade D4 | 14 | 118,242 – 141,891 |
| Grade D5 | 15 | 131,380 – 157,656 |
How Teachers Can Prepare for Promotions
- Pursue Higher Education:
Teachers aiming for senior grades like Deputy Principal or Principal must acquire advanced degrees, particularly Master’s Degrees in relevant fields. - Consistent Performance:
Maintaining positive appraisals in performance evaluations is crucial. - Leverage TPD Programs:
Engage in the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programs offered by TSC to enhance skills and gain competitive advantages.
Impact of TSC Job Grades on the Education Sector
The introduction of TSC job grades ensures transparency and fairness in teacher remuneration and promotions. By tying grades to qualifications and experience, TSC fosters professional growth while improving the quality of education in Kenya.
