Services
The Teachers Council of Malawi offers the following services.
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.
- Candidates must have a valid national identification document such as a passport or National Identification Card.
- Candidates must have paid registration fees as prescribed by the Council from time to time.
- Candidates must have been indexed by the TCM during their training except for those who graduated before the approval of the guidelines.
- Candidates must not be serving a jail sentence after conviction by a competent Court of Law on criminal charges.
- Candidates who were convicted of criminal offenses would not be registered until after the lapsing of 5 years.
- International Candidates or Candidates obtained their qualifications from other countries shall have their qualifications validated by theNational Council for Higher Education(NCHE) in the absence of the Malawi Qualifications Authority.
- International candidates must be in possession of a valid police/crime clearance from their countries of origin or permanent residence.
- International candidates must be in possession of a valid work permit.
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.
- Candidates must have a valid national identification such as a passport or a National Identification .
- Candidates must have paid licensing fees as prescribed by the Council from time to time.
- Candidates must have been indexed by the TCM during their training except for those who graduated before the approval of the guidelines.
- Candidates must have a valid Teacher Registration Certificate.
- Candidates must not be serving a jail sentence after conviction by a competent Court of Law on criminal charges.
- Candidates who were convicted of criminal offenses would not be licensed until after the lapsing of 5 years.
- International candidates or candidates who obtained their qualifications from other countries shall have their qualifications validated by the National Council for Higher Education in the absence of the Malawi Qualifications Authority.
- Candidates must not be involved in active politics
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.
- Candidates must have proof of registration from the education training institution.
- Candidates must have a valid national identification such as a passport or a National Identification Card.
- Candidates must have paid indexing fees as prescribed by the Council from time to time.
- Candidates are required to be indexed within 90 days of being registered in a training institutiont.
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: The Council will identify and recommend relevant courses that align with current educational needs and advancements. These courses will cover a wide range of topics to ensure teachers are well-equipped to handle various classroom challenges.
- Organizing Tailor-Made Courses: Tailor-made courses will be developed and organized based on the specific needs of teachers. These courses will address both general and specialized areas of teaching, ensuring that every teacher receives the training necessary for their particular context.
- Recognizing Continuous Professional Development: The Council will acknowledge and recognize continuous professional development (CPD) activities undertaken by teachers. This recognition will be an integral part of the overall professional development package, encouraging teachers to engage in lifelong learning.
- Professional Development Packages: The Teachers Council of Malawi will offer structured professional development packages that include workshops, seminars, and online courses. These packages will be designed to enhance teachers’ skills and knowledge, contributing to their professional growth and career advancement.
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.
- Conduct education programmes and institutional assessment for accreditation.
- Support institutions in accreditation processes.
- Register and deregister education programmes.
Inspection Advisory Services
In order to enforce compliance of Ethical and professional standards the Council from time to time shall review and formulate guidelines and regulations pertaining to teacher conduct and behavior. The Council’s Compliance Unit shall conduct periodic inspection of schools to check whether schools are complying to set minimum standards of their registration. Inspections will focus on teachers compliance to Teachers Code of Conduct as developed by the Ministry of Education. As part of continuous improvement, the Council shall offer advisory services to both schools and serving teachers.:
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: The Council will handle all types of professional queries from teachers. Whether it’s about certification, teaching strategies, or regulatory requirements, the Council will provide clear and timely responses to ensure teachers have the information they need.
- Career Path Guidance: Supporting teachers in exploring and attaining their career goals is a priority. The Council will offer career counseling services to help teachers identify potential career paths and understand the steps necessary to achieve their professional aspirations.
- Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs where experienced educators can provide guidance and support to less experienced teachers. This peer support system will help foster a collaborative professional community.
- Resource Provision: Providing access to a wealth of teaching resources, including lesson plans, educational tools, and research materials. These resources will help teachers enhance their instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
- Workshops and Training Sessions: Regularly scheduled workshops and training sessions will be offered to address specific professional development needs. These sessions will cover a variety of topics relevant to the teaching profession and will be facilitated by experts in the field.
- Emotional and Well-being Support: Recognizing the emotional and psychological demands of teaching, the Council will offer support services focused on teachers’ well-being. This includes stress management workshops and access to counseling services.
By implementing these robust support mechanisms, the Teachers Council of Malawi aims to ensure that all teachers have the resources, knowledge, and guidance they need to excel in their profession and achieve a high level of job satisfaction.
Service Fees
The Council has prescribed fees for various services as presented in the table below.The Applicants for indexing shall pay one off indexing fees for the entire duration of their training. Qualified teachers shall be required to register with the council and shall be required to pay one off registration fees. All practicing teachers in all categories of the teaching profession shall be required to pay annual licensing fees which shall be reviewed from time to time by the Council.
Indexing of Teacher Trainees
Fee: MK 10,000 per student
Registration Fees
| S/N | Class of Teacher | Malawian (MK) | Non-Malawian (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early Childhood | 10,000.00 | 45 |
| 2 | Primary | 10,000.00 | 45 |
| 3 | Secondary | 24,000.00 | 50 |
| 4 | Special Education / Guidance and Counselling | 15,000.00 | 50 |
| 5 | College Lecturer | 30,000.00 | 60 |
| 6 | Administrators | 35,000.00 | 60 |
Licensing / Renewal - Malawians
| S/N | Class of Teacher | 3 Years (MK) | Annual (MK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early Childhood | 30,000.00 | 10,000.00 |
| 2 | Primary | 45,000.00 | 15,000.00 |
| 3 | Secondary | 72,000.00 | 24,000.00 |
| 4 | Special Education / Guidance and Counselling | 45,000.00 | 15,000.00 |
| 5 | College Lecturer | 90,000.00 | 30,000.00 |
| 6 | Administrators | 105,000.00 | 35,000.00 |
Licensing / Renewal - Non-Malawians
| S/N | Class of Teacher | 3 Years (USD) | Annual (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early Childhood | 45 | 15 |
| 2 | Primary | 45 | 15 |
| 3 | Secondary | 60 | 20 |
| 4 | Special Education / Guidance and Counselling | 60 | 20 |
| 5 | College Lecturer | 75 | 25 |
| 6 | Administrators | 75 | 25 |