The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has activated term two appraisals using the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development system. This TPAD activation requires teachers to create and begin their term-2 self-assessments, upload evidence and ensure their professional records are current for duty verification and promotion purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers must start and submit term two TPAD self-assessments and supporting evidence.
- Heads of institutions must submit termly Performance Contracts (PC) to Sub County Directors.
- TSC is rolling out an upgraded tool, TPAD 3, with four teaching standards and a new portal link.
- Follow the TPAD calendar: planning, lesson observation, professional development, rating meetings and data upload.
What TSC expects from teachers and school leaders
Teachers are required to open the TPAD form, complete self-assessment entries for term two and upload evidence showing they are on duty and performing assigned roles. School heads must compile and submit the termly Performance Contract (PC) to the TSC Sub County Director as part of institutional compliance.
The Commission has warned administrators against failing to appraise teachers or merely countersigning incomplete appraisals. Appraisers and appraisees must conduct fair lesson observations and document professional gaps for development.
TPAD 3: What changes to expect
The upgraded tool — referred to as TPAD 3 — will replace TPAD 2 and moves the portal from tpad2.tsc.ke to portal.tsc.go.ke. The new tool reduces teaching standards from five to four and introduces clearer targets for classroom practice and professional growth.
- Effective curriculum delivery — evidence of planning and assessment aligned to the curriculum.
- Comprehensive learner-centred environment — facilitation of games, sports and creative arts where applicable.
- Integration of technology — use of digital tools to support learning and assessment.
- Teacher professional growth and development — continuous training, grooming and reflective practice.
Teachers will be asked to give scores for specific learning areas rather than broad subjects. For example, Creative Arts and Sports teachers should report separate scores for Art & Craft, Music and PE where relevant.
TPAD calendar of activities at the institution level
- Planning meetings: By the last week of the school holiday — set the TPAD activity calendar with all staff.
- Submission of professional documents: By the end of the first week of term — teachers and heads submit required files.
- Lesson observations: Between week 2 and week 10 — appraisers identify professional gaps.
- Professional development: Throughout the term — targeted TPD to address gaps.
- Internal monitoring: Ongoing — heads, deputies and HODs track implementation.
- County monitoring: Zonal, sub-county and county officers monitor throughout the term.
- Rating meetings and uploads: By term closing — final ratings recorded and evidence uploaded.
How teachers should prepare for term two TPAD
Follow these practical steps to avoid issues during appraisal and promotion interviews:
- Start early: create your term two TPAD entry at the beginning of the term and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Document lessons: keep lesson plans, schemes and marked work ready as evidence.
- Schedule observations: agree dates with HODs or appraisers for lesson observation and feedback sessions.
- Record professional development: save certificates or proofs of attended CPD and TPD modules.
- Maintain professional standards: ensure appropriate grooming and a learner-centred environment as required.
Where to find teaching and assessment resources
Use reliable curriculum and exam resources to support lesson planning and evidence collection. Relevant resources include:
- Free CBC exams for classroom assessment practice and sample questions.
- Free CBC lesson plans to align daily teaching with TPAD expectations for curriculum delivery.
- KCPE past papers and revision exams to support primary teachers preparing assessment evidence.
TPAD and promotions
TPAD remains a core tool for teacher promotions. During promotion interviews teachers must download and present evidence of three years of TPAD compliance. Keep copies of all uploaded evidence and ensure your TPAD entries reflect actual classroom practice and professional learning.
Final advice
Adhere to the TPAD calendar, keep clear evidence, and engage constructively with appraisers. Regular documentation and genuine professional development will make TPAD a useful tool for improving teaching and for career progression.
