The TeachUp! initiative is timely and has the potential to be a major contribution to Mexico reaching its national education reform objectives. The education system of Mexico is facing serious challenges. The system is failing to meet learning and outcome goals at the primary level, weak family incomes contribute to high attrition rates as students drop out and few students have realistic access to university and college. The government has not been silent and has embarked upon an ambitious national education reform plan. However, observers such as the OECD are calling for more aggressive action to bring the performance of Mexico’s education system up to that of other OECD countries. Cisco and DOT are responding to this challenge.

Using its TeachUp! methodology successfully proven in over 110 schools throughout Mississippi and Louisiana, USA and in the Sichuan province of China, DOT has trained Interns to support teachers and leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) in education to basic and middle schools throughout Mexico, starting in the fall of 2009.   The DOT Mexico TeachUp! program is delivered in partnership with a leading Mexican non-profit enterprise, the Union of Entrepreneurs for Educational Technology – ‘UNETE’.

The purpose of the DOT Mexico TeachUp! program is to empower teachers and schools with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to effectively leverage ICT for education, administration and communication.  Through a system of coaching by TeachUp! Interns, the teachers in Mexico will integrate cutting-edge technology into their pedagogy, enhance student learning, and increase the effectiveness of the educational system.  These Interns are also available to train community members and prepare employees for jobs that require computer skills.  As a result, TeachUp! Schools become catalysts for knowledge sharing within the community.   The program’s vision is that schools and communities in Mexico will increase their access to opportunities and resources through an improved quality of education.