Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
The Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) tool is how the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appraises teachers in public schools. Since TSC moved TPAD online, teachers complete it on the TPAD portal (tpad2.tsc.go.ke). This guide walks through the 2026 cycle step by step and explains how to keep your evidence organised.
On this page
What TPAD covers
TPAD assesses teachers against the Teaching Standards, including professional knowledge and application, time management, innovation and creativity in teaching, learner protection and safety, promoting co-curricular activities, professional development and collaboration with parents and stakeholders. Appraisal is done each term, and results feed into an annual rating used for promotion and professional development decisions.
Before you log in
- Your TSC number and the password you set on the portal.
- Your timetable and lesson load.
- Professional documents: schemes of work, lesson plans, records of work, progress records and learners’ assessment records.
- Evidence of co-curricular and professional development activities.
Step by step
- Log in at tpad2.tsc.go.ke using your TSC number. Update your profile if prompted.
- Set targets at the start of the term, in agreement with your appraiser (usually the deputy head or head of department).
- Record lesson observations. Your appraiser observes at least one lesson and records the score on the portal.
- Upload evidence for each standard. Scanned PDFs are the safest format; keep files small and clearly named, such as “T1-2026-records-of-work.pdf”.
- Self-appraise by rating yourself against each standard with a short comment.
- Appraisal meeting. Discuss ratings and agree a development plan for weak areas.
- Submit and confirm. Both you and your appraiser submit. The head teacher then approves.
Organising evidence
Create one folder per term with subfolders for each standard. Scan documents as you go instead of rushing at the end of term. Use your phone’s scanner app to make PDFs, and check that every page is readable.
Writing good self-appraisal comments
Keep comments factual and linked to evidence. Instead of “I teach well”, write “Covered 95% of the Grade 8 Integrated Science scheme for Term 1; records of work uploaded”. Mention specific innovations, such as using local materials for practicals, and give numbers where you can: lessons taught, learners supported or clubs run.
Common problems
- Portal slow near deadlines: start early and work outside peak hours.
- Forgotten password: use the reset option on the portal or ask your school’s TPAD administrator.
- Wrong appraiser assigned: the head teacher can correct it in the portal.
- Upload errors: reduce file size or convert images to PDF.
TPAD and your career
TSC uses TPAD ratings with other criteria when considering promotions, and the professional development section links to Teacher Professional Development (TPD). Read our TPD and CPD guide.
Tools that help
Our report card maker and projects and assessment hub help you keep clean assessment records. Teachers can share their own schemes and notes through teacher resources; uploads are checked before they appear.
Looking for a post? See the teacher jobs board.
Sources
- Teachers Service Commission, TPAD manual and portal (tpad2.tsc.go.ke)
- TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers and Teaching Standards
CBC Guides is independent and is not affiliated with TSC. Always follow TSC’s current instructions.