The Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) system, implemented by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), serves as a performance evaluation mechanism designed to assess teachers’ work against established standards.

This evaluation system ensures accountability, enhances teaching quality, and aids in teacher development.

Key Objectives of TPAD

Oversight Role:

Heads of institutions play a critical role in overseeing teacher appraisals within their schools, ensuring that all educators are evaluated accurately.

Promotion and Career Development:

Appraisal reports are used as a basis for decisions regarding teacher promotion, deployment, and rewards.

Training and Development:

The TPAD system helps identify training needs and areas where corrective measures may be necessary in cases of underperformance.

Guidelines and Tools:

The system includes guidelines and appraisal tools that are periodically reviewed and accessible through the TSC website.
How to Create a TPAD Account

To participate in the TPAD system, teachers must first create an account. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the TPAD Portal: Go to https://tpad2.tsc.go.ke/auth/create_account.

2. Fill in the Required Details:

TSC Number
ID Number
Phone Number (07xxxxxxxx)
Email Address
Password (confirm password)
Mode of notification (select SMS)

3. Create Account: After submitting the details, a success message will appear, and a verification token will be sent to the phone number you registered. Enter the token and click “Verify Token” to complete the process.

Adding Your Bio Data

Once registered, users are required to input their bio-data and academic information:

1. Bio/Institution Information: Enter basic information such as contact details and institutional affiliation.

2. Subjects Combination: Add your teaching subjects by selecting from the list provided.

3. Educational Information: Provide details about your KCSE grade, highest level of education, and institution of study.

TPAD Roles

Roles of Teachers

1). Self-Appraisal:

Teachers are expected to perform self-appraisals in areas such as lesson planning, teaching, and classroom management.

2). Data Upload:

Teachers must create and upload their appraisal data online for review.

Roles of Principals

1). Induct New Teachers:

Principals introduce newly recruited teachers to the TPAD system.

2). Activate and Manage Teacher Accounts:

Principals activate new teacher accounts and remove those who leave the institution.

3). Oversight and Appraisal:

The Principals monitor the appraisal process, evaluate teachers, appraise deputy principals, and submit termly appraisal reports.

4). Observations and Arbitration:

Principals observe teacher performance and mediate any disputes that arise during the appraisal process.

Roles of Deputy Principals

1). Lesson Attendance:

Update lesson attendance records on a weekly basis.

2). Appraisal of HODs and Teachers:

Deputy principals appraise heads of departments (HODs) and teachers under their supervision.

3). Observation and Arbitration:

They schedule appraisal meetings, observe teaching practices, and help resolve disputes in teacher appraisals.

TPAD Process Steps

The TPAD process is structured and follows eight key steps:

1). Development of Appraisal Calendar: An appraisal calendar is developed, specifying timelines.

2). Setting Targets: Teachers set performance targets in alignment with the teaching standards.

3). Implementation of Targets: Teachers implement the set targets, and evidence is gathered to support the process.

4). Self-Appraisal: Teachers evaluate their own performance based on competencies and standards.

5). Appraisal Rating: Appraisers review evidence and rate the teacher’s performance.

6). Appraisal Meeting: The appraiser and appraisee meet to discuss ratings and evidence.

7). Gap Identification: Both the appraiser and appraisee identify areas of improvement.

8). Support and Development: Teacher support and performance development measures are implemented to address gaps.

TPAD Teaching Standards

The new TPAD tool comprises five standards classified into three broad categories. These categories evaluate various aspects of teaching, such as:

1). Professional Knowledge: Teacher’s understanding of content and pedagogy.

2). Professional Practice: Delivery of lessons, classroom management, and assessment techniques.

3). Professional Engagement: Teacher’s participation in co-curricular activities, parent-teacher engagement, and collaboration with colleagues.
Conclusion

The TPAD system is a comprehensive mechanism that ensures teachers are held accountable for their performance while also providing opportunities for growth and development. With the system’s structured appraisal process and clear roles for teachers, principals, and deputy principals, it supports the continuous improvement of teaching quality across Kenyan schools.