Jakarta, ThedailyID — ISMILE Family of Schools has partnered with Miriam College in the Philippines to strengthen teacher development and improve early childhood education in Indonesia.
The collaboration began during ISMILE’s annual Teacher Professional Development Week, held in Jakarta from July 6 to 9, 2026. The event prepares educators for the new academic year. During the opening day, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during ISMILE’s visit to Miriam College on March 6, 2026. During the visit, ISMILE Founder Neeltje Sutandjati joined Director of Business Affairs Maryati Lauw and Director of Growth and Systems Trisha Winata. Together, they met Miriam College President Dr. Maria Regina Lucia M. Lizares.
As part of the partnership, ISMILE will establish a Teacher Training Centre in Indonesia. The center will offer certification programs that lead to diploma and postgraduate qualifications in collaboration with Miriam College.
Meanwhile, Miriam College celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. The Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognizes its Teacher Education program as a Center of Excellence. In addition, its Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program holds Level IV accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).
Currently, ISMILE Family of Schools serves children from six months to six years of age across seven campuses. The network operates ISMILE Preschool, IShine Preschool & Childcare, and Alam Atelier.
Founder Neeltje Sutandjati said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in teachers.
“This partnership goes beyond institutional collaboration. We believe investing in teachers is one of the best investments we can make for children. Together with Miriam College, we aim to strengthen teacher professionalism and create meaningful learning opportunities for educators,” she said.
Sutandjati added that classroom practice will determine the program’s success. Rather than focusing only on certifications, ISMILE will assess how teachers apply their training every day.
“We look at how teachers interact with children. Do they ask open-ended questions that encourage children to think critically instead of relying on closed-ended questions?” she said.
In addition, the school will evaluate project-based learning, teaching materials, and teachers’ commitment to continuous professional development. Reflective teaching will also remain a key benchmark throughout the program.
“Continuous professional development is important. What matters most is how teachers reflect on their teaching and turn that learning into better experiences for children,” Sutandjati said.
Ultimately, she believes the initiative will strengthen ISMILE’s educators while supporting higher standards for early childhood education across Indonesia.
