In some learning areas, one teacher is responsible for several streams and multiple pathways, making it difficult to give learners the individual attention /FILE
The reality is that many teachers handle workloads far beyond what is professionally recommended.
In some learning areas, one teacher is responsible for several streams and multiple pathways, making it difficult to give learners the individual attention, continuous assessment and personalised support that CBC requires.
The curriculum is designed to nurture every learner's competencies, talents, values and interests, but this can only be achieved when there are enough teachers.
In our school, the shortage has forced the management to reorganise timetables often, merge some lessons and redistribute teaching responsibilities among the available staff.
While these interventions demonstrate dedication and professionalism, they are only temporary measures and cannot replace the need for sufficient qualified teachers.
Parents have stepped forward to support the school to ensure learning continues with minimal disruption.
We support initiatives that improve the learning
environment, mobilise resources, encourage mentorship programmes and constantly
engage our children to remain focused despite the challenges.
The government's ongoing recruitment of teachers is a welcome intervention. However, the magnitude of the shortage means there is a need for sustained employment of teachers, equitable deployment across schools and strategic staffing based on learner enrolment and pathway requirements under CBC.
As parents, our expectation is that every child receives quality, equitable and inclusive education as envisioned.
Achieving this goal requires a strong partnership between the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, school management, teachers, parents and the community.
Investing in adequate teaching personnel is not merely addressing a staffing gap—it is an investment in the future of our children and the country's long-term social and economic development.
While schools have demonstrated resilience and innovation in managing the current situation, sustainable solutions can only be achieved through continuous teacher recruitment, adequate funding, and deliberate support for effective implementation of the CBC.
Our learners deserve an education system that equips them with the knowledge, competencies, values and skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The writer is a Grade 10 parent in a public senior school in Kiambu
