Primary School Teacher

Primary teachers instruct pupils typically in foundational subjects like mathematics, English, Kiswahili, science, and social studies. They foster learning, guide emotional development, and create a structured environment.

What is a typical day as a Primary School Teacher? 

– Lesson planning and delivering engaging classes  

– Marking assignments, assessing progress  

– Managing classroom behavior  

– Providing support for pupils with learning difficulties  

– Communicating with parents or guardians  

– Attending staff meetings and training sessions   

What else might they be expected to do? 

– Organize school events and co-curricular activities  

– Take on mentorship or club leadership roles  

– Supervise student teachers or interns  

– Participate in school development planning  

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

– Minimum requirement: Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE)  

– Degree option: Bachelor of Education (Primary Option)  

– Must be registered by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)  

– KCSE C (plain) minimum for degree; C (minus) for diploma  

– Must complete teaching practice during training   

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

– Patient and empathetic  

– Good communicator and listener  

– Energetic, adaptable, and resourceful  

– Emotionally intelligent and nurturing

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

– Large class sizes with diverse learner needs (National Average is 41, but can go as high as 61 in Nairobi, 126 in Mandera due to limited infrastructure (MoE, 2020)

– Limited teaching resources in some schools  

– Emotional strain from supporting underprivileged pupils  

– Workload (lesson prep, marking, admin)  

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? 

– Nurturing and supporting learners (Helping)  

– Structuring lessons, managing classrooms (Organizing)  

– Solving academic or developmental challenges (Thinking)  

Holland Codes: Helping, Organizing, Thinking

Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required?

a Kenyan citizen? 

-Clear communication  

– Conflict resolution  

– Creative lesson delivery  

– Emotional resilience and multitasking 

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects ?

– Kenya and Africa:  Public primary schools (under TSC) ,Private or international schools, NGOs offering education programs (e.g., Bridge International, UNICEF programs)and Teacher training colleges or curriculum development institutions (e.g., KICD). Currently though, teacher unemployment is high with more than 300,000 teachers currently unemployed.    

– International:  International schools across Africa ,Schools in UAE, Qatar, UK (with required teaching certification or bridging programs)  and Online tutoring platforms. TSC is making plans to export trained teachers to foreign markets but concrete plans are yet to emerge.   

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

– Strong foundation in child/ educational psychology  

– Special needs education knowledge is a plus  

– Classroom tech integration (digital tools, online learning)  

– Continuous professional development (e.g., CBC training in Kenya)  

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

– Head Teacher or Deputy Head  

– Curriculum Developer (KICD)  

– Education Officer (Ministry of Education)  

– Educational Psychologist (Master’s level training)  

– Lecturer in Teacher Training Colleges