The Benin TMT project began in July 2009 and works to improve training and performance of teachers. The TMT program consists of a number of simple interventions focused around a key theme—a set of clear expectations for teacher performance based on international standards of excellence. The use of this clear and universal set of standards will ensure that all systems meant to support and motivate teachers are focused on the same issues—improving teachers’ and thereby students’ chances of success. These performance standards are a guiding principle and a goal for the development of the major elements of the TMT program: training, supervision, coaching and evaluation.

TMT is piloting a merit-based awards program to enhance the visibility of high performing teachers and schools. Using the same performance standards as part of the selection criteria, the media campaign will highlight the importance of how teacher motivation affects performance. We believe that such a straightforward and sensible approach to the objectives of the program will let us achieve solid results in four years of implementation. With a strong partnership, local support, state-of-the-art tools, and, most importantly, highly qualified staff we offer a sustainable program to improve teacher motivation and training in Benin.