Name: Rachael Gitiha
Title/Qualification: Master of Education in Instructional Methods and Educational Technology
Position: Teaching Assistant
Department: Education
School: School of Education and Social Sciences
Short Biography
Rachael Wanjiku Gitiha is a Teaching Assistant and Researcher in the Department of Education, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of Embu. She is an educational professional in the Social Sciences and an emerging teacher educator, specializing in Instructional Methods and Educational Technology. Her research interests include Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher Education, Teaching and Learning, Gender and Education, and Foundational Learning.
She holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) and a Master of Education in Instructional Methods and Educational Technology from the University of Embu. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education at the University of Embu and is duly registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
She teaches History of Education, Curriculum Development, General Instructional Methods, Research Methods (PGDE), Instructional Methods (Geography), and Instructional Technology and ICT Integration. She has also taught in the Department of Humanities and at the TVET Institute, University of Embu. Her professional experience spans classroom teaching, teacher training, curriculum development and evaluation, and educational research, providing a strong foundation in pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment.
She currently serves as a Research Assistant with HERI Africa, contributing to fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and scholarly writing focused on Mathematics Education and improved learning outcomes. She also serves as Secretariat and Rapporteur for the Early Career Researchers (ECR) initiative under the Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga Mentorship Programme, supporting research coordination, scholarly engagement, and emerging researcher development.
Her expertise includes research writing, manuscript development, curriculum and assessment, and evidence-informed educational practice. She is committed to strengthening curriculum relevance, embracing emerging educational trends, advancing innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and connecting educational research with practice. She has publications in international peer-reviewed journals, with her work grounded in inclusive learning and evidence-informed educational practice.
Achievement
Published research in peer-reviewed journals (Cogent Education, Taylor & Francis)
Participated in the Early Career Researcher (ECR) Pre-Conference Mentorship Programme, University of Embu (2025)
Awards and Honours
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Award, University of Embu - Master's Degree Scholarship, 2024.
First Class Honours, Bachelor of Education (Arts), 2020.
Workshops and Conferences
Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) & Education Deans Forum – Kenya (EDF-K) Conference, University of Embu. Theme: “Reimagining Education in Kenya: Reforming Teacher Education for Sustainable Development.” 27th -28th August 2025.
Early Career Researchers (ECR) Pre-Conference Mentorship Programme, University of Embu in conjunction with EDF-Kenya & EE4A. Presented on: “Strengthening the Education Eco-system: Revitalizing University Academy and Research through Graduate Students.” 25th -26th August 2025.
Women Leading Change (WLC) Conference, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Tanzania - Professional Leadership Coaching (September - November 2025).
Rachael Gitiha Publications | Rachael Gitiha CV