A world-class education
(Last of two parts)
Throughout three decades, we have given students real-world experiences to apply their multiple intelligences to innovate and create solutions to social problems through addressing issues surrounding poverty and equity, environmental problems through reforestation and economic problems through social entrepreneurship,” says Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin, founding directress of Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Next year, MIIS will move to a state-of-the-art campus in Parklinks by Ayala Land and Eton Estates in Pasig City.
“MIIS is one of the pioneer schools recognized by Go Negosyo to introduce entrepreneurship from preschool to senior high,” says Abaquin. “Both parents and students appreciate that MIIS allows students to not only be ready for life but also ready to lead.
“Students find MIIS to be a safe space to develop their unique selves in a culture of care and respect. This stems from the innate belief that every person should be respected, because each one is smart and can contribute in their own way.
“This is very different from a culture that is IQ-based and traditional school where students are defined by their grades and possibly judged for their achievements. MIIS allows students to develop holistically and they are encouraged to make meaningful contributions.
“For example, one student who is music smart and body smart discovered her passion for performing. Because it was encouraged and she was given the opportunity to create original music while in school, she eventually became part of a global girl group.”
Not only students, but parents appreciate MIIS’ progressive approach to learning.
“Our smaller class sizes allow for a strong parent-teacher partnership. Open communication and collaboration allow students to benefit from mentorships, exposure trips locally and internationally, and experiences that contribute to student well-being. Parents and teachers work together to create a second family to make students happy learners who thrive and grow.”
But unlike some so-called progressive schools that cater to student needs but neglect hard-core academics, MIIS knows that the impetus to reach global standards is constant.
“In line with our thrust to make students future-ready, we want to provide globally competitive programs. Our MIIS families are given a passport to the world because we are accredited by the Council of International Schools.
“This is an assurance that the education they receive is recognized globally and that the school is committed to meeting international standards. This has allowed our students to gain scholarships and opportunities to enter 100 universities across eight countries.
“It is important to take the running of a school seriously,” says Abaquin. “It is important to meet educational and operational standards that will ensure that student learning and student well-being is met with excellence. We try to make sure that this happens through faculty training and mentorship, as well as going through the rigor of accreditation.”
Abaquin herself walks the talk—she earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Quality education is scarce, so what advice does Abaquin have for those who want to put up their own schools?
“Be ready for a long-term journey. First, vision-mission: Have a clear vision of what kind of education you want to offer. Second, pedagogical expertise: Loving kids is different from being able to teach kids. Equip yourself with the skills to teach and learn about best practices.
“Third, school operations: Being a teacher and running a school are different things. Learn the business of running a school by ensuring you have the proper licenses, legal practices, budgeting and accounting, and daily operations that ensure the safeguarding of all individuals on school premises.
“Education is a vocation that requires a lot of love, dedication, discipline, discernment and grace. It is a worthwhile legacy for those who want to pursue it.” INQ
Visit the MIIS website at mischool.edu.ph.
Queena N. Lee-Chua is on the board of directors of Ateneo’s Family Business Center. Get her book “All in the Family Business” at Lazada or Shopee, or e-book at Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks. Contact the author at blessbook.chua@gmail.com.
