TSC to Deploy 6,000 Teachers to Special Schools – Addressing the Shortage of Educators

TSC to Deploy 6,000 Teachers to Special Schools – Addressing the Shortage of Educators

In a significant development aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers in Special Needs Education (SNE) centers, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced plans to deploy 6,000 teachers to these schools. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the TSC and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet) and is set to have a profound impact on the education sector in Kenya.

The shortage of teachers in special needs schools has been a persistent issue, leading to a lack of proper care and education for students with special needs and disabilities. Many teachers who were initially attached to SNE centers have been transferred to regular schools, where career progression is more assured. This has resulted in dwindling numbers of teachers in special needs schools, affecting the quality of education provided.

To address this pressing issue, the TSC and Kusnet have agreed to deploy 6,000 teachers to special needs schools in three phases. The first batch, consisting of 1,750 teachers, will be deployed in the second term. The second deployment, scheduled for December, will comprise 2,000 teachers. The final phase will see 347 teachers, who were originally in SNE but moved to regular schools, transferred back to special needs schools.

This strategic deployment of teachers will not only increase the number of educators in special needs schools but also improve the overall standards of education provided. Currently, there are 300 primary schools and 38 secondary schools catering to learners with special needs and disabilities. With the influx of qualified teachers, these schools will be better equipped to meet the unique educational needs of their students.

One key aspect of this deployment is the exemption of teachers in special units within regular schools from teaching and other responsibilities. This will allow them to fully concentrate on students with special needs, ensuring that they receive the individual attention and support required for their development. Additionally, Kusnet chairman Peter Sitienei has emphasized the need for county-level assessments of special needs children and the establishment of devolved units of cycle education centers in all counties. This holistic approach will require significant manpower, financial resources, and reorganization to effectively deliver the curriculum to special needs learners.

In line with the efforts to improve the education system for students with special needs, the TSC has also agreed to establish a Special Needs Education (SNE) section at its headquarters. This section will be staffed with personnel who have expertise in SNE matters, further enhancing the support and resources available for special needs schools.

The decision to deploy additional teachers to special needs schools comes at a time when the National Assembly Education Committee has been advocating for increased funding for SNE. This move aligns with the committee’s recommendation to allocate more resources to enhance the learning experience of students with special needs.

During a meeting with Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie, a member of the committee, expressed concern over the understaffing of special needs schools across the country. Kandie highlighted the financial challenges faced by parents, which often result in children with special needs being kept at home due to the inability to afford school fees. Machogu acknowledged the shortfall in service delivery and attributed it to underfunding from the exchequer.

The education sector has been grappling with numerous challenges, and the shortage of teachers in special needs schools is one of the most critical issues. The deployment of 6,000 teachers to these schools is a significant step towards addressing this shortage and ensuring that students with special needs receive the education and support they deserve.

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