Teaching jobs outside TSC: private, international and board of management schools

TSC posts are competitive and recruitment rounds come only a few times a year. Many Kenyan teachers build strong careers, or bridge the wait, in schools and institutions that hire directly. Here is how those jobs work.

What are board of management teaching posts?

Public schools can hire teachers directly through their board of management (BOM) when they need more staff than TSC has posted. BOM teachers are employed and paid by the school, usually on contract. Pay and terms vary widely between schools, so ask for the terms in writing. BOM experience is real teaching experience and belongs on your CV.

How do private schools hire teachers?

Private primary and secondary schools advertise their own vacancies and interview directly, often with a demonstration lesson. They usually still expect you to be registered with TSC. Pay, workload and contracts differ between schools, so compare offers carefully and read our guide to employment contracts in Kenya.

What about international schools?

International schools teaching British, American or International Baccalaureate curricula look for teachers with strong subject knowledge, experience of their curriculum, and excellent English. Experience with Cambridge or IB programmes, or relevant training, can make you stand out.

Can you teach in colleges and universities?

Yes. TVET institutions, teacher training colleges and universities hire trainers, tutorial fellows and lecturers, usually requiring higher qualifications in the subject, and often a masters or doctorate for university posts. Browse lecturer and TVET trainer jobs.

Is private tutoring a real option?

For many teachers it is a valuable extra income, through home tuition, tutoring centres or online platforms. Keep it professional: agree fees and schedules in advance, and if you are employed full time, check what your contract allows.

How do you win a job at a school that hires directly?

• Send a CV written for that school: the level, the subjects and the curriculum it teaches. Our guide to writing a teaching CV shows how.
• Prepare a demonstration lesson you can deliver well in 20 to 40 minutes, with a clear objective and a quick check of what learners understood.
• Bring evidence: results you improved, clubs you ran, and a reference from a head teacher or head of department.
• Ask about the contract, pay, working hours and duties before you accept, and get the offer in writing.

Read our teacher interview questions before you go in.

How do you find these jobs?

Schools advertise on their own websites and noticeboards, in newspapers and on job boards. Monica collects teaching vacancies from across Kenya every day, by level: ECDE, primary, junior and secondary and college and university. Create a free account and new teaching jobs in your area come to you every morning.