TSC TPAD: How to Fill In Your Teacher Performance Appraisal

Updated 22 October 2026

Every teacher employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) must be appraised each term through the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development system, known as TPAD. The appraisal is fully online. You rate yourself against teaching standards, record learners’ progress, upload evidence, and your appraiser rates you and observes your lessons. TPAD matters well beyond compliance: under the 2026/2027 promotion guidelines, your average TPAD rating over the past three years is one of the factors that decides whether you are promoted. This guide walks through how to fill it in and how to keep up with the termly calendar.

TPAD at a Glance

Step 1: Log In

Go to tpad2.tsc.go.ke and enter your TSC number, ID number and password, then click Login. If you have forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password link. New teachers first create a TPAD account. Your dashboard shows pending and completed tasks. If you also need help with other TSC systems, our TSC Online Services portal guide covers the main teacher portal.

Step 2: Create the Term’s Appraisal

1. Open the menu (three lines at the top left on a phone) and choose Self Appraisals, then Self Assessment.
2. Click Create New Appraisal.
3. Select the year and the correct term, and choose On Duty under eligibility. Save.
4. The new appraisal appears under My Appraisals. In the Action column, click Proceed to Appraisal.

Step 3: Rate Yourself on the Teaching Standards

Open the standards one at a time. Click Update Standard, then Choose Standard, and under Select Standards by Institution pick either Primary and Secondary Schools or SNE Primary and Secondary Schools. Click Proceed to Standard, then use New Rating in the Action column against each target. For each one, enter your score, the gap category, a short comment and the evidence that backs it up. The system will not let you move to the next area until the current one is complete.

The original TPAD tool set out seven standards: professional knowledge and application; time management; innovation and creativity in teaching; learner protection, safety, discipline and teacher conduct; promotion of co-curricular activities; professional development; and collaboration with parents, guardians and stakeholders. These were later consolidated. TSC has also announced a TPAD 3 upgrade with four standards: effective curriculum delivery, a comprehensive learner-centred environment, integration of technology in teaching and learning, and teacher professional growth and development. Use whichever standards the system shows you for the term, since that is what your appraiser will rate.

Step 4: Record Learners’ Progress

Add your subject or learning area targets and the scores learners achieved. Since January 2026, TSC has asked teachers to give scores for specific learning areas instead of one combined score. For example, a teacher of Creative Arts and Sports gives separate scores for Art and Craft, Music and Physical Education.

Step 5: Lesson Attendance and Observation

Lesson attendance tracks the lessons you taught, missed and recovered, and your appraiser enters this data. Your appraiser also observes your teaching using the lesson observation form, which is marked out of 100 and converted by the system. Keep your lesson recovery records, because missed lessons that were not recovered pull your rating down.

Step 6: Submit for Appraisal

When every section is filled in, click View or Submit for Appraisal. The appraisal is complete only after your appraiser has added their ratings, the lesson observation is recorded and you have both agreed the final scores at a rating meeting. Countersigning officers then review it.

The Termly TPAD Calendar

TSC issues a calendar of TPAD activities each term. The pattern is the same every term:

TSC has warned teachers against rushing to fill TPAD in a few days, in disregard of the calendar. Upload evidence as the term goes on instead of at the end.

Professional Documents to Keep Ready

• Schemes of work and lesson plans or lesson notes.
• Records of work covered.
• Learners’ progress records and assessment results.
• Lesson attendance and lesson recovery records.
• Evidence of co-curricular work, professional development and parent engagement.

Common TPAD Mistakes

• Choosing the wrong term when creating the appraisal. Check before saving.
• Rating every target 5 without evidence. Appraisers moderate unsupported scores.
• Leaving uploads until the closing week, when the system is busiest.
• Forgetting to attend the rating meeting, which leaves the appraisal incomplete.

Good TPAD records support your TSC promotion application. For payslips, P9 forms and other teacher guides, see our TSC teachers hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do teachers fill TPAD?

Every term. Each term has its own appraisal created under Self Assessment.

What do I need to log in to TPAD?

Your TSC number, national ID number and password.

What happens if I do not fill TPAD?

TPAD is mandatory, and TSC has said failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action. Missing appraisals also weaken a promotion application.

How is the lesson observation scored?

Out of 100 on the observation form, which the system converts to the 1 to 5 rating scale.

Has TPAD 3 replaced TPAD 2?

TSC has announced TPAD 3 with four teaching standards. Follow the version your school is using in the system for the current term.