TSC Introduces TPAD 3: New Appraisal System for Teachers Undergoing Piloting

TSC Introduces New Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) System, TPAD 3

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has launched a new Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) system, known as TPAD 3, to enhance teacher evaluation, performance monitoring and professional growth. This latest upgrade also comes with changes to the Performance Contracting (PC) tool for Heads of Institutions (HOI).

The changes are currently being piloted in nine counties and were rolled out during a teacher training session by TSC. The pilot program started on March 17, 2025 and will end on March 21, 2025 before full implementation nationwide.

TPAD 3 Features

Compared to TPAD 2, the new TPAD 3 system has the following changes:

• Teaching standards reduced from 5 to 4, focusing on:
  1. Effective curriculum delivery
  2. Comprehensive learner centered environment
  3. Integration of technology in teaching and learning
  4. Teacher professional growth and development
• The TPAD link will change from tpad2.tsc.ke to portal.tsc.go.ke
• Lesson Observation Tool revised, with an emphasis on games, sports and creative arts
• Teacher Professional Development (TPD) modules introduced, where:
  • One module will be funded by TSC
  • Another module will be paid for by teachers
  • Completion of both modules will contribute to teacher promotions

TSC has mandated two TPD modules per year, with full rollout of mandatory training set for December 2025.

Pilot Counties and Training Framework

To test the new system, TSC has selected the following nine counties for pilot testing:

1. Nairobi
2. Mombasa
3. Kisumu
4. Nyeri
5. Meru
6. Baringo
7. Kajiado
8. Garissa
9. Vihiga

Each county will train 556 teachers across different levels: primary, junior, secondary and teacher training colleges (TTCs).

Training is structured into two separate cohorts, to ensure effective participation without disrupting regular school activities. Sessions will cover:

• TPAD 3 system training
• Lesson observation practicum
• Remote Learning Methodologies (RLM)
• Each centre will have 139 participants for four days, with teachers grouped by subject for deep learning.

For Teachers

TSC has reminded us that TPAD compliance is a requirement for promotions and we should download and submit TPAD compliance evidence during interviews. The new system also aims to restore public trust in the teaching profession by enabling high performance and accountability.

With the pilot phase coming to an end, teachers and school administrators should be ready for full rollout once the review is done.