TSC Issues ‘Show Cause’ Letters to 34,000 Teachers Over Incomplete TPAD Submissions
TSC Issues ‘Show Cause’ Letters to 34,000 Teachers Over Incomplete TPAD Submissions, The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has issued ‘show cause’ letters to over 34,000 teachers across the country for failing to complete their Term 1 TPAD appraisals.
According to internal communication and Excel spreadsheets shared with TSC County and Sub County Directors, the Commission flagged teachers with incomplete or pending Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) entries. These lists have since been forwarded to school heads (HOIs) for follow-up.
Why Teachers Are in Trouble
TSC now demands that all teachers on the list explain why they failed to submit or finalize their TPAD records within the required timelines. The incomplete records fall into several categories:
- Self-appraisals done but appraisers failed to complete their part
- Missing lesson observation records
- Pending TPAD status
TSC has emphasized that teachers must take personal responsibility by reminding their supervisors to complete the appraisal process in time. The Commission maintains that TPAD is not optional—it is an integral tool for monitoring performance and determining eligibility for promotions.
TPAD 3 Rollout Underway: What’s New?
TSC is currently reviewing and upgrading the TPAD system to align with changes in education policy and digital tools. The upgraded platform—TPAD 3—will replace TPAD 2 and includes several important changes:
Key Updates in TPAD 3:
- New Web Link: Will move from tpad2.tsc.go.ke to portal.tsc.go.ke
- Reduced Teaching Standards: From five to four streamlined standards
- Effective curriculum delivery
- Comprehensive learner-centered environment
- Integration of technology in teaching
- Teacher professional growth and development
Professional Appearance Now Evaluated:
Teachers will now be rated on grooming in the learning environment, with a maximum of 4 points awarded under the new standards.
Why TPAD Matters for Promotion
TPAD compliance is mandatory for teacher promotion interviews. Teachers are expected to produce evidence of TPAD completion for at least three consecutive years. In May 2025, TSC dispatched an audit team across all regions to assess:
- TPAD compliance
- Performance Contracting (PC) documentation
- School-level inconsistencies in Teacher Management Information Systems (TMIS)
The audit revealed overpayments and data inaccuracies, prompting the Commission to fast-track TPAD 3.
TPAD Termly Calendar: Activity Breakdown
| TPAD Activity | Action By | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| TPAD Planning Meeting | HOI, SMT, Teachers | Last week of the school holiday |
| Submission of Professional Documents | HOI, All Teachers | End of Week 1 |
| Lesson Observations & Gap Identification | Appraisers & Appraisees | Week 2 – Week 10 |
| Teacher Professional Development | All Stakeholders | Throughout the term |
| Internal Monitoring & Evaluation | HOI, Deputy, HODs | Continuous |
| Zonal & County Monitoring | CSOs, SCDs, CDs | Continuous |
| TPAD Rating Meetings | Teachers, HODs, HOIs, CSOs | End of Term |
| Uploading TPAD Evidence | Teachers & Appraisers | Throughout the ter |
Mandatory TPD Modules Coming in December 2025
TSC has announced plans to roll out two Teacher Professional Development (TPD) modules per year:
- One paid by TSC
- One paid by the individual teacher
These modules will be mandatory and will contribute points toward promotion, emphasizing continuous professional growth.
Pilot Programme & Data Collection
TSC tested TPAD 3 in nine pilot counties including Nairobi, Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru, Garissa, Vihiga, Baringo, Mombasa, and Kajiado. The process involved:
- Classroom and real-environment trials (March 17–21, 2025)
- Direct feedback from teachers, heads, and deputies
- Analysis of the effectiveness of current standards
Conclusion
The show cause notices issued to over 34,000 teachers reflect TSC’s firm stance on performance accountability and appraisal compliance. With TPAD 3 and mandatory TPD modules set to revolutionize teacher performance evaluation, educators are urged to stay up to date, comply with all appraisal processes, and actively engage in their professional development journey.
Follow Jobs Daily or Teachers Arena for updates on TPAD 3 rollout, deadlines, and upcoming TPD training sessions.
