The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has opened nominations for the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Awards, seeking to recognize teachers who have made outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.
According to the guidelines released on August 24, TSC said the awards will cover serving and retired registered teachers from public, private, and international learning institutions, including primary schools, junior schools, secondary and senior schools, and teacher training colleges.
Nominations can be submitted through self-nomination, peer nomination or institutional nomination.
A person making a self-nomination can apply in a maximum of two categories, while peer and institutional nominators can submit a maximum of two nominees.
“The World Teachers’ Day Rewards and Recognition Framework 2026 seeks to identify, recognize, and celebrate teachers, including institutional administrators, who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to teaching and learning,” read part of the statement.
How the Selection Will Be Done
TSC said nominations must be submitted by August 26, 2026, at 11 pm, after which the selection process will proceed through several stages.
The commission’s Recognition and Awards Subcommittee will conduct an eligibility check from August 27 to 29, creating a longlist of nominees who meet the general and category-specific requirements.
Sub-County Selection Panels will then assess the nominees between August 30 and September 3, identifying the top three nominees in each category for the next stage.
County Selection Panels will conduct their assessment from September 4 to 8, including verification of evidence submitted by shortlisted teachers.
The Regional Selection Panel will undertake the next stage from September 9 to 10 and identify the best five nominees in each category. The top three nominees in each category will then be forwarded to the national level.
The final national selection will be conducted on September 11, with the best three nominees in each category submitted for recognition during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
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What TSC Will Consider
TSC said it will assess nominees using standardized criteria tailored to each award category.
The evaluation will consider the relevance of a teacher’s contribution to teaching and learning, measurable or verifiable impact, innovation and creativity, inclusivity and responsiveness to learner needs.
The panels will also consider the sustainability and potential for wider adoption of a teacher’s initiative, contribution to professional development and institutional improvement, learner outcomes, and the strength and credibility of supporting documents.
The nominees will also be assessed on how their contributions align with national education priorities and professional standards.
TSC said it developed assessment tools and scoring guides for each category to support an objective, evidence-based selection process.
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Counties Covered in the TSC Teacher Awards
The commission has created 13 award categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Early Years Educator, Sustainable Development Educator, Early Career Educator, School Leadership Excellence, Inclusive Educator, Child Protection Champion, Co-curricular and Talent Development, Teacher Mentor, Innovation and ICT Integration in Teaching, Most Resilient Teacher, National Honours and International Recognition.
TSC has divided the 47 counties into nine regions for purposes of nominations and selection.
- Coast: Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu and Taita Taveta
- North Eastern: Garissa, Wajir and Mandera
- Eastern: Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni
- Nairobi: Nairobi
- Central: Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Nyeri
- Upper Rift Valley: Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Baringo
- Lower Rift Valley: Kericho, Bomet, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado and Samburu
- Western: Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia
- Nyanza: Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira
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