The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is the government agency responsible for managing human resources in the education sector in Kenya.
It oversees the recruitment, deployment, and regulation of teachers in public schools, ensuring that qualified individuals enter the teaching profession. Every year, thousands of graduates from universities and colleges enter the job market with the hope of securing employment under the TSC.
However, the reality is that not all graduates find jobs immediately, as various factors determine how quickly a teacher is absorbed into the system.
One of the most critical considerations for aspiring teachers is whether their university education aligns with TSC policies and guidelines for teacher recruitment.
While many students enroll in education courses with the belief that a teaching job is guaranteed upon graduation, the truth is that some subject combinations are more competitive and marketable than others. This means that students should carefully select their teaching subjects to improve their chances of employment.
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The choice of teaching subjects significantly affects employability. Some subject combinations have an oversupply of trained teachers, making it difficult for graduates to get hired. On the other hand, subjects in high demand have fewer qualified graduates, increasing the chances of quick absorption into the teaching profession.
The time a teacher has remained unemployed after graduation can also impact recruitment. Some job openings prioritize those who have stayed longer without securing employment, meaning that fresh graduates might face competition from older, more experienced candidates.
The demand for teachers varies across different regions in Kenya. Some areas, especially remote and hardship regions, have a higher demand for teachers, while urban areas may have more applicants than available vacancies. Being open to relocating to any part of the country can significantly increase the chances of securing a teaching position.
While teaching is a noble profession, not all teaching subject combinations offer the same employment opportunities. Some subjects are more marketable, meaning that graduates in these fields are more likely to be employed quickly by TSC. Others are flooded with job seekers, making it extremely competitive to secure a position.
Many aspiring teachers unknowingly choose subject combinations that have a surplus of unemployed graduates. These combinations may align with their interests but can lead to prolonged job searching.
Therefore, it is essential for students to conduct thorough research and make informed decisions before selecting their areas of specialization.
To improve the chances of employment, students should consider pursuing subject combinations that are in demand. These combinations have a lower number of graduates, meaning that the competition for jobs is less intense.
Some of the most marketable teaching subject combinations include:
- Mathematics / Physics
- Physics / Chemistry
- Chemistry / Physics
- Biology / Agriculture
- Computer Science / Any Combination
- Biology / Mathematics
- Chemistry / Mathematics
- Geography / History
- Biology / Chemistry
- Geography / Business Studies
These subject combinations have a higher demand in schools, meaning that graduates specializing in them are more likely to be recruited faster than those in over-saturated subjects.
Each year, the TSC conducts a recruitment exercise to fill vacancies left by teachers who have retired, resigned, or passed away. The commission releases advertisements inviting applications from qualified candidates.
Those who meet the required academic and professional qualifications are shortlisted for interviews, where they are assessed based on various criteria, including academic performance, teaching experience, and willingness to work in different locations.
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