Teachers, like any other public servants, are entitled to various leaves. Teachers’ leaves are approved and granted by the Teachers Service Commission, TSC. The good news is that the application of all the TSC leaves is now done online at TSC leave application Portal.
Types of leaves for TSC teachers in Kenya
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) requires teachers to submit necessary documents alongside the application form. Thus, it is vital to put together all the required documents to back up your application. Otherwise, your application may not go through. According to TSC, instructors are entitled to six types of leaves, namely:
1. Annual leave
Every registered TCS teacher is entitled to a maximum of 42 days of annual leave. While on time off, they are guaranteed full pay. Notably, annual leave for teachers in Kenya should be taken during the school holidays. Unlike some types of leaves, it cannot be carried forward.
The application is done purely online.
2. Maternity & paternity leave
These are two separate leaves for both female and male instructors. Maternity leave is for expectant female instructors. They may be allowed 120 calendar days from the date of delivery. Apply for the leave online.
Paternity leave is awarded to male teachers whose partners are confined. The maximum number of days one can stay off duty is 21. To apply, just fill the online application form.
Support documents are necessary when applying. In an instance one resolves to leave before a formal release or approval, they stand to be punished by TSC. Remember, this leave does not affect the annual holiday whatsoever.
3. TSC compassionate leave
All teachers are entitled to compassionate leave. It is taken when an immediate family member of a TSC teacher passes on. One can also take it if a dependant develops a life-threatening condition or injury.
The maximum number of days one can stay off duty is 15 and application is done online.
4. Study leave
Study leave is for those instructors intending to advance their education levels. Its approval may depend on a few factors. First, one must have taught for at least five years to qualify. Second, one must have demonstrated a good performance track record. Lastly, only those seeking to pursue a post-graduate diploma and degree can be allowed to take this leave of absence.
Application is equally filled online.
5. Special leave
TSC special leave allows instructors to attend seminars, conferences, and meetings. In case the events are short and relevant to the development of a teacher’s career, the commission will pay them as usual.
On the other hand, those obliged to be away from duty are granted the holiday without pay. Either way, one should make the application in advance through the head of the institution. Attaching of relevant documents is a bonus when it comes to approval.
6. Leave to spouses of diplomats
Leave to spouses of diplomats apply to those teachers married to diplomats. The commission may grant a teacher an unpaid time off when their spouse is assigned outside the country. To apply, one must write to the commission, attaching all the necessary documentation. It is mandatory to send the application one month earlier before the end of your a spouse’s assignment for posting.
7. TSC Sick Leave
Sick leave in Kenya applies to teachers who suddenly fall ill while on duty. A teacher should make the application to TSC 48 hours after attending the hospital as an out-patient. On the other hand, one should apply not less than seven days if admitted as an in-patient.
Similar to most leaves, write to the head of an institution for approval. When a teacher is suffering from a severe illness, the headteacher or principal may write to the commission for approval.
8. TSC Pre-Adoptive Leave.
This another leave for TSC teachers in Kenya. It is a leave granted to teachers who formally adopt a child or children. A teacher is eligible for a pre-adoptive leave of forty five (45) calendar days with full pay from the date of adoption.
