BACKGROUND
The Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM) traces its origins to the Education Act of 2013. In August 2022, the Government of Malawi, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, formally established TCM as an independent and autonomous entity entrusted with the pivotal tasks of indexing, registration, and licensing of teachers.
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Registered Teachers
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Licenced Teachers
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Indexed Student Teachers

Background
BACKGROUND OF TCM
The Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM) traces its origins to the Education Act of 2013. In August 2022, the Government of Malawi, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, formally established TCM as an independent and autonomous entity entrusted with the pivotal tasks of indexing, registration, and licensing of teachers.
The official inauguration of the Teachers Council of Malawi took place on 8th September 2023, graced by the esteemed presence of the Minister of Education, Honorable Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima MP, at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
TCM assumes the role of a regulatory authority, dedicated to overseeing and enhancing the teaching profession’s standards. Its core mandate encompasses the meticulous indexing of teacher trainees, the registration and licensing of teachers, and the regulation of teachers’ conduct.
To fulfill its mandate effectively, TCM engages in a multitude of activities, including the establishment of a comprehensive register of teachers and a roll of licensed teachers. Furthermore, TCM advises the Minister on pertinent educational matters, actively participates in initiatives concerning teacher education and training, and champions the promotion of professional and ethical standards within the teaching fraternity.
Crucially, TCM serves as a conduit for disseminating vital information to the Minister, pertaining to education at large and teacher education specifically, thereby contributing to informed decision-making processes within the education sector.

About Us
Vision
To be a vibrant Teacher Regulatory Authority that creates a conducive environment for professional development and compliance in the teaching profession.
Mandate
The Teachers Council of Malawi shall be the sole registering authority of all persons required to be registered or licensed as teachers as well as regulating the conduct of teachers.
Mission
To enrich, regulate and uphold the status of the teaching profession and educators’ professionalism as a way of promoting the highest standards of professional conduct and practice.
Core Values
Professionalism, Collaboration, Respect, Equity and Inclusion, Transparency and Accountability, Trust, Care
Services
The Government of Malawi established the Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM) in accordance with Section 57 of the Education Act of 2013. This legislative provision laid the legal foundation for the creation of a regulatory body dedicated to the oversight and advancement of the teaching profession within the country.
The primary mandate of the Council is to regulate the professional conduct and practice of teachers, ensuring that educators uphold ethical standards and demonstrate competence in their roles. In addition, the Council is tasked with supervising teacher education programs, working closely with institutions to ensure that training and certification processes align with national education goals and international best practices.
Beyond regulation, the Teachers Council of Malawi is committed to promoting continuous professional development and fostering a culture of excellence among teachers. By doing so, it aims to enhance the quality of education and contribute to the highest standards of service delivery to the public. Through its policies, standards, and support mechanisms, the Council plays a vital role in strengthening the teaching profession and improving the overall education system in Malawi.
Registration & Licensing Services
We provide Information on registration and the related requirements. We provide information on Licensing procedures. We provide Application forms and guidelines.
Compliance & Monitoring Services
We make available Code of ethics and professional standards accessible to teachers. We offer Monitoring and enforcement activities to schools and assocated institutions.
Professional Development Services
We facilitate the Training programs for teachers. We provide Continuing education opportunities for teachers.
Complaints & Dispute Resolution Services
We provide mechanisms and systems for addressing complaints. We also make available complaints Resolution mechanism.
Acreditation of Teacher Education Institutions & Programs
As provided by the Education Act, the Council is mandated to register and accredit teacher training institutions and their programmes, the Council shall:
Inspection & Advisory Services
We provide inspection and advisory services to schools and teacher education institutions.
Services
Indexing
Indexing is a critical process through which all teacher trainees enrolled in institutions of higher learning register with the Teacher Council of Malawi. This registration is essential for these trainees to be recognized by the Council and to enable tracking of their progression while they are undergoing training in these training institutions. The indexing process ensures that teacher trainees are duly acknowledged and monitored throughout their training journey, facilitating effective management and oversight within the education sector.
- The candidate must be registered with a recognized and accredited education institution.
- The Education programmes being studied must be registered and accredited by relevant Government Institutions such as National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
- Candidates must have a full MSCE certificate validated by the Malawi National Examinations Board or its equivalent.
Registration
Upon successful completion of teacher training and attainment of a teaching qualification, individuals are required to register with the Teacher Council. This registration process is a crucial step toward obtaining a teaching license in Malawi. Registering with TCM allows qualified teachers to be officially recognized by the government and facilitates the issuance of a teaching license, enabling them to pursue teaching careers in the education sector. This process ensures that certified teachers are appropriately documented and licensed to contribute to the country’s educational system
- Candidate’s qualification must have been obtained from registered, recognized and accredited education training institution.
- The qualification must have been obtained from accredited or recognizedtraining programme.
- Candidate must have teaching qualification relevant to the category being applied for.
Licencing
All practicing teachers are required to register with Teacher Council and apply for a practicing license, which is valid for a period of three (3) years. This licensing process ensures that teachers who are actively engaged in teaching roles maintain their professional credentials and are authorized to practice within the education system. Registration with TCM and obtaining a practicing license are essential for teachers to continue their teaching careers and contribute effectively to the education sector in Malawi.
- Candidate’s qualification must be obtained from registered, recognized and accredited education training institution.
- Candidate’s qualification must have been obtained from accredited or recognizedtraining programmes.
- Those with non-education qualifications must have University Certificate of Education (UCE) or Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching Methodology (PGDTM) or its equivalent.
Teacher Professional Development
As part of its core mission to promote professional standards, the Teachers Council of Malawi is committed to creating opportunities for ongoing learning and development for teachers. This comprehensive approach includes:
- Identifying and Recommending Courses
- Organizing Tailor-Made Courses
- Recognizing Continuous Professional Development
Acreditation of Teacher Education Institutions
As provided by the Education Act, the Council is mandated to register and accredit teacher training institutions and their programmes, the Council shall:
- Set minimum standards for accreditation of institutions and programmes.
- Develop accreditation framework for Education programmes.
- Develop tools for registration and accreditation of institutions and programmes.
Teacher Support Service
Teacher support is at the heart of the Teachers Council of Malawi’s mission. As teachers carry out their duties, they may encounter various challenges and opportunities for growth. The Council is dedicated to providing comprehensive support services, which include:
- Professional Queries
- Career Path Guidance
- Mentorship Programs
Publications
Download our latest publications to explore key reports, strategic plans, policy documents, and professional guidelines. Stay updated and informed about our ongoing efforts and initiatives in the education sector.
The Malawi Education Act of 2013
Download and Read The Malawi Education Act of 2013TEACHERS CODE OF CONDUCT
NATIONAL EDUCATION STANDARDS
NATIONAL EDUCATION SECTOR INVESTMENT PLAN
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHER EDUCATION
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Registered Teachers
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Licenced Teachers
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Indexed Students
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Registered Institutions

Governance
The TCM has a Board of Directors that is vested with powers to provide strategic and policy direction in the management and operations of the Council. The Council has a Chairperson who is supported by Vice Chairperson. The Council has nine independent members and is supported by the following ex-officios; Secretary for Education, Executive Director Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb), Executive Director, Malawi Institute of Education (MIE), Teachers Union of Malawi Representative, Local Government Service Commission Representative. The Council has the following functional Committees: Registration and Licensing, Audit and Finance, Compliance and Investigations.
FAQs
How to Apply
In order to apply, you need to have the following:
Applicants are supposed to pay first for indexing or registration or Licencing fees before filling the application form
indexing or registration or Licencing fees must be paid into the following back Account :
Account Name: Teachers Council of Malawi
Bank Name: Standard Bank
Account Number: 9100006934215
Branch: City Center
What is Teacher Indexing?
Indexing is a critical process through which all teacher trainees enrolled in institutions of higher learning register with the Teacher Capacity Management (TCM) system.
Why is Teacher Indexing important?
This registration is essential for these trainees to be officially recognized by the Malawi government and to enable tracking of their progression while they are undergoing training in these institutions. The indexing process ensures that teacher trainees are duly acknowledged and monitored throughout their training journey, facilitating effective management and oversight within the education sector.
What is Teacher Registration?
Upon successful completion of teacher training and attainment of a teaching qualification, individuals are required to register with the Teacher Capacity Management (TCM) system. This process ensures that certified teachers are appropriately documented and licensed to contribute to the country’s educational system.
Why is it important for a Teacher to Register with Teachers Council of Malawi ?
Registering with the Teachers Council of Malawi allows qualified teachers to be officially recognized by the government and facilitates the issuance of a teaching license, enabling them to pursue teaching careers in the education sector.
What is Teacher Licencing, and what are the requirements?
All practicing teachers are required to register with Teacher Capacity Management (TCM) and apply for a practicing license, which is valid for a period of three (3) years. This licensing process ensures that teachers who are actively engaged in teaching roles maintain their professional credentials and are authorized to practice within the education system. Registration with TCM and obtaining a practicing license are essential for teachers to continue their teaching careers and contribute effectively to the education sector in Malawi.
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Contact UsEx-Officio Members
The Teachers Council of Malawi implements its objectives in collaboration with a number of partners.
Contact
Contact Information
Feel free to reach out with any questions about the book, speaking engagements, or media inquiries.
Email:
info@teacherscouncil.mw
Phone:
(265) 986 97 67 55 or (265) 897 97 70 16
Address
Teachers Council of Malawi
Private Bag 35
Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Physical Address
Area 43, Opposite Kanengo Total Energies Filling Station