FROM TEACHER TO SCHOOL FOUNDER: A

PRACTICUM JOURNAL ON DR. FRANCISCA

T. UY'S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

2023
Volume: 13
Pages: 159-164
Document ID: 2023PEMJ1147
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8316788
Manuscript Accepted: 2023-2-9
Psych Educ, 2023, 13: 159-164, Document ID:2023 PEMJ1147, doi:10.5281/zenodo.8316788, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

From Teacher to School Founder: A Practicum Journal on

Dr. Francisca T. Uy's Educational Journey
John Michael V. Sasan*, Osias Kit T. Kilag
For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.
Abstract
This study focuses on the leadership skills and achievements of Dr. Francisca T. Uy. The aim of the
study is to highlight Doc Franz’s unique leadership skills, particularly during the COVID-19
pandemic, and his commitment to supporting needy education, community outreach, and service to
others. Using a qualitative approach, the study examined the initiatives and programs that Doc Franz
established to promote higher education, community development, and social responsibility. Findings
indicate that Doc Franz’s leadership skills played a role especially in establishing and sustaining his
organization in spite of the difficult times brought about by the pandemic. The research also
highlights Doc Franz’s commitment to the education of the poor and his vision to leave a legacy of
service to others. The programs have helped thousands of underprivileged students receive a quality
education, and her community outreach programs have contributed to the growth of the city and its
residents. Her unwavering selflessness and devotion to service have touched the lives of many and
inspired others to follow in her footsteps. Overall, this study is a tribute to Dr. Francisca T. Uy,
providing valuable insight into Uy's leadership skills and accomplishments and emphasizes the
importance of strong leadership in promoting education, community development and social
responsibility.

Keywords: leadership during a crisis, pro-poor education, community extension, service to others

Introduction Bulacao Campus for 8 years. In 2020, she founded the

The educational landscape is constantly changing, and
teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of
teaching and learning (Dahlberg, et al., 2020). Many
teachers begin their careers as classroom teachers, but
some choose to take a different path and become
school founders. Schools were founded by individuals
who started their own schools, often with a specific
vision or educational philosophy in mind. These
individuals often have a passion for education and
want to create a unique learning environment for
students.
One such person was Dr. Francesca T. Uy, a former
classroom teacher who became the founder of the
school. Dr. Uy is the founder and president of PAU
Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc. and
ECT Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc. a
school well known for its innovative approach to
education. In this process, the researchers, explores Dr.
Uy’s educational journey, from her early years as a
teacher to her current role as the school’s founder.
PAU Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc.,
which has become the leading senior high school
provider in Toledo City. Following this success, she
founded her second school, the ECT Excellencia
Global Academy Foundation, Inc., in 2022.
Doc Franz is a visionary leader who is committed to
improving her community. She is recognized for her
work on projects such as BakasPuso, Community
PAUntry, and Housing. She actively participates in
various organizations for educators and researchers,
presenting research at numerous conferences. Doc
Franz's outstanding leadership has been recognized
with several awards, including being named the
Philippines Outstanding School Head of the Year at
the Fourth Instabright National Awards for Educators,
the international Luminary Award in Leadership
Grand Champion and on January 7, 2023, Dr.
Francisca T. Uy was awarded and given the title
"GARBO SA TOLEDO" (Outstanding Toledonhon) in
the field of education for her contributions to the city
of Toledo and its people. Dr. Franz has received
recognition locally, nationally, and internationally.

Dr. Francisca T. Uy, also known as "Doc Franz," is an Research Questions

accomplished education professional with a diverse
range of experience. She has served in the Department
of Education for 22 years, worked as a college
instructor for 19 years, a graduate school program
professor for 5 years, and the principal of the ACT
1. What are the key leadership skills and strategies that
Dr. Francisca T. Uy demonstrated in establishing a
new school during the COVID-19 pandemic?
2. How does Dr. Uy's pro-poor education approach,

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Research Article
which includes a multiple intelligence model and
community involvement, contribute to improving
education outcomes for underprivileged students?
3. What is the impact of Dr. Uy's community extension
program on the local community, and what are the
factors that contribute to its success?
Literature Review
The educational journey of school founders is a topic
that has been widely researched in the field of
education. According to Ray, (2020), the success of
school founders depends on their ability to establish a
clear vision and mission for their schools. The vision
and mission should be aligned with the school's
culture, values, and beliefs. School founders who are
able to articulate their vision and mission clearly are
more likely to gain the support of their stakeholders,
including parents, students, and teachers.
In addition, successful school founders are those who
are able to build strong relationships with their
stakeholders. Frei and Morriss (2020) argue that
school founders should develop trust and respect with
their stakeholders, as this can help them build a strong
support system for their schools. This is particularly
important in the early stages of the school's
development when school founders need to establish a
strong foundation for their schools.
Another factor that contributes to the success of school
founders is their ability to identify and hire competent
teachers. According to Bubb and Jones (2020),
successful school founders are those who are able to
identify teachers who share their vision and mission
for the school. These teachers are also committed to
the school's values and beliefs. Al-Thani, et al. (2021)
argues that hiring teachers who are passionate about
teaching and are willing to go the extra mile can help
school founders achieve their goals.
Moreover, school founders who are able to establish a
positive school culture are more likely to succeed.
According to Mousena and Raptis (2020), a positive
school culture is characterized by trust, respect, and
collaboration among stakeholders. School founders
who are able to create a positive school culture can
improve student achievement and promote teacher
retention.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, leadership
and management skills are also crucial for school
founders. A study conducted by Juanda, et al. (2021)
found that the ability to lead and manage a school is
Sasan & Kilag
essential for its success. This is particularly important
for new schools, where the leader is responsible for
developing and implementing the school's vision,
mission, and values. Effective leadership and
management also contribute to the creation of a
positive school culture, where staff and students feel
valued and supported.
Another important factor that contributes to a school
founder's success is their ability to build strong
relationships with parents, the community, and other
stakeholders. A study by Day, et al. (2020) found that
effective communication and collaboration with
parents and the community are essential for the
success of a new school. Parents and the community
play a significant role in shaping the school's culture
and supporting its development. Therefore, building
positive relationships with these groups is crucial for
ensuring their support and involvement in the school.
Finally, the ability to innovate and adapt is essential
for school founders. As educational systems and
technologies evolve, schools must adapt to ensure they
continue to provide relevant and effective education to
their students. A study by Karakose, et al. (2021)
found that innovative school leaders are better able to
adapt to change and implement new ideas that improve
the school's effectiveness.
School founders face many challenges as they
establish and develop a new school. However, by
focusing on key factors such as vision, mission,
leadership, management, relationship-building, and
innovation, they can overcome these challenges and
create a successful educational institution. The
following section will discuss the methodology used to
examine Dr. Francisca T. Uy's educational journey
from teacher to school founder.
Methodology
This practicum journal is a descriptive study that seeks
to document the leadership style and competencies of
Dr. Francisca T. Uy, the founder and president of PAU
Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc. and
ECT Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc.
The study was conducted from March 6-11, 2023, and
employed purposive sampling to select Dr. Uy as the
subject.
Data was collected through a combination of
observation, interviews, and document analysis. The
researcher observed Dr. Uy's daily activities and
interactions with staff and students. Interviews were
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Research Article
conducted with Dr. Uy and key informants, such as
school administrators and faculty members.
Documents such as school policies and procedures,
student academic records, and other relevant materials
were also reviewed.
Data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis.
The researcher identified key themes related to Dr.
Uy's leader ship style, comp etencies, and
achievements. These themes were categorized and
coded to provide a comprehensive understanding of
Dr. Uy's leadership.
Ethical considerations were taken into account in
conducting this study. The researcher sought informed
consent from Dr. Uy and key informants before
conducting interviews and observations. The
researcher ensured that confidentiality and anonymity
were maintained throughout the study.
Limitations of the study include the short duration of
the data collection period and the limited scope of the
study. As the study was conducted over a short period
of time, the researcher may not have been able to
capture all aspects of Dr. Uy's leadership style and
competencies. Additionally, the study only focused on
one school leader and may not be generalizable to
other school leaders or contexts.
Results and Discussion
Theme 1: Leadership during a crisis: The study
focuses on Dr. Francisca T. Uy's leadership skills
during the pandemic, which enabled her to establish a
school despite the challenges posed by the crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented
challenges for individuals, communities, and
organizations around the world. In the field of
education, schools and universities have had to
navigate complex and constantly changing guidelines
to ensure the safety of students and staff while
continuing to provide quality education. Many schools
have struggled to adapt to the new realities of remote
learning, reduced enrollment, and financial constraints.
However, there are also examples of schools that have
managed to thrive despite the crisis, thanks to effective
leadership and innovative approaches.
One such example is the story of Dr. Francisca T. Uy,
a visionary educator who demonstrated exceptional
leadership skills during the pandemic. Dr. Uy's story is
particularly remarkable because it involves the
establishment of a new school, the PAU Excellencia
Sasan & Kilag
Global Academy Foundation, Inc. in the midst of the
pandemic. Despite the numerous challenges posed by
the crisis, Dr. Uy was able to mobilize resources, rally
support, and create a new institution that is poised to
make a positive impact in the community.
Dr. Uy's leadership during the pandemic can be
compared to previous studies on crisis management
and leadership. In general, these studies emphasize the
importance of adaptability, communication, and
collaboration in navigating uncertain and complex
situations. Effective crisis leaders must be able to
quickly assess the situation, identify priorities, and
make decisions based on the best available
information. They must also be able to communicate
their vision and strategy clearly and inspire others to
follow their lead. Finally, they must be able to
collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build a
coalition of support to implement their plans.
Dr. Uy exemplifies these qualities in her leadership
style. She was able to quickly assess the need for a
new school in the Toledo City area and the
neighboring municipalities, where many families were
struggling to find quality education for their children.
She then mobilized a team of educators and
administrators to create a detailed plan for the new
school, taking into account the challenges posed by the
pandemic. This plan included the utilization of the
PEGAFI Learning Management System (PLMS), as
well as extensive safety protocols to protect students
and staff from COVID-19.
Dr. Uy also communicated her vision and strategy
clearly to stakeholders, including parents, teachers,
and local officials. She was able to inspire others to
believe in the mission of the new school and contribute
their time, resources, and expertise to its success. Her
collaborative approach also helped to build a strong
network of supporters and partners.
Dr. Uy's leadership during the pandemic provides a
compelling case study for educators and leaders in
other fields. Her success demonstrates that it is
possible to create new institutions and initiatives even
in the most challenging of circumstances, as long as
there is a clear vision, a collaborative approach, and a
willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. By
learning from Dr. Uy's example, leaders can build
resilience, inspire others, and make a positive impact
in their communities.
Theme 2: Pro-poor education: The study highlights
Doc Franz's mission to provide high-quality education
to students who have never had the opportunity to
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Research Article
attend a private institution. She aims to leave a legacy
of service to others by founding a pro-poor multiple
intelligence school.
The theme of pro-poor education is one that has gained
significant traction in recent times, especially in
developing countries where access to quality education
is limited. Dr. Francisca T. Uy's mission to provide
high-quality education to underprivileged students is
indeed commendable, and her efforts to establish a
pro-poor multiple intelligence school are a testament
to her commitment to this cause.
On the topic of pro-poor education, Doc Franz's
approach stands out for its holistic nature. Rather than
merely focusing on providing education to students,
she recognizes that other factors such as poverty,
malnutrition, and inadequate housing can impact a
child's ability to learn. As such, she has incorporated
measures such as a Bakas Puso program and PEGAFI
PAUntry into her school's curriculum to ensure that
her students are healthy and well-fed, thus better
equipped to learn.
Moreover, Doc Franz's approach to education is one
that recognizes the individual differences between
students. Her multiple intelligence approach
acknowledges that students have different strengths
and weaknesses, and as such, learning should be
tailored to meet their individual needs. This approach
is in contrast to traditional education models that tend
to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.
One significant difference between Doc Franz's pro-
poor school and previous studies on the topic is the
level of community involvement. Rather than viewing
education as a one-way street, where knowledge is
imparted from teacher to student, Doc Franz's school
operates on a more collaborative approach. Parents are
encouraged to participate in school activities, and their
feedback is taken into consideration when making
decisions regarding the school's operations. This level
of involvement fosters a sense of ownership and
accountability among parents, and they are more
invested in their children's education as a result.
Doc Franz's pro-poor multiple intelligence school
stands out for its holistic and collaborative approach to
education. Her efforts to provide high-quality
education to underprivileged students, while also
addressing their other needs, are a testament to her
leadership and commitment to service. By adopting an
approach that recognizes the individual differences
between students and involves the community, she has
laid the foundation for a successful educational model
that can serve as an inspiration to other educators and
Sasan & Kilag
policymakers.
Theme 3: Community Extension: Dr. Francisca T.
Uy has institutionalized and propagated the three core
practices for the institution, which are Instruction,
Community Extension, and Research. The study
highlights her community extension program, where
she went above and beyond to help the city promote its
beauty and donated a community park, the St. John of
Sahagun Community Park.
Dr. Francisca T. Uy's leadership and commitment to
community extension have played a crucial role in
promoting the welfare and development of the city.
The study on her community extension program
highlights her dedication to serving the community by
identifying and addressing its needs, even beyond the
scope of formal education.
In the face of the pandemic, Dr. Uy demonstrated
exceptional leadership by leveraging the resources and
expertise of her institution to contribute to the city's
response efforts. Her community extension program
took on an even more significant role as the city
struggled to combat the effects of the crisis.
Dr. Uy recognized that the pandemic had severe
economic implications for the city, particularly for
those in vulnerable communities. She mobilized her
institution's resources to provide relief aid and support
to those affected by the pandemic. Her community
park, the St. John of Sahagun Community Park, served
as a vital resource for the city, providing a safe space
for people to exercise and engage in socially distant
activities during the pandemic. By doing so, she
demonstrated her commitment to preserving the city's
cultural identity while promoting its economic growth
and development.
Dr. Uy's community extension program is a shining
example of how academic institutions can serve as
catalysts for positive change in their communities. Her
program's focus on serving the needs of the
community and promoting social responsibility and
civic engagement among students is a testament to her
vision of education as a tool for social change.
Dr. Uy's pro-poor education mission aligns perfectly
with her community extension program, as it seeks to
provide high-quality education to students who would
not have the opportunity to attend private institutions.
Her emphasis on multiple intelligences and student-
centered teaching methods helps ensure that students
receive a well-rounded education that caters to their
individual strengths and interests.
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Research Article
Dr. Francisca T. Uy's leadership during the pandemic,
her pro-poor education mission, and her community
extension program are excellent examples of her
unwavering commitment to serving the community.
Her vision of education as a tool for social change and
her dedication to promoting social responsibility and
civic engagement among students make her a role
model for future generations of educators and leaders.
Theme 4: Service to others: The study highlights Doc
Franz's commitment to helping the less fortunate. She
has helped build houses for senior citizens, people
with disabilities, those who are sick, and families who
can barely afford three meals a day. She has also
continued to build homes for the less fortunate even
after a year has passed.
Dr. Francisca T. Uy's leadership is grounded in her
commitment to service to others. Her actions during
the pandemic and in building her school are informed
by her desire to provide education to those who have
been historically excluded from it. This commitment to
pro-poor education has been a driving force behind the
establishment of her school, as well as her community
extension program, which seeks to uplift the most
vulnerable members of her community.
One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Uy's
commitment to service is the extent to which she goes
beyond her role as an educator to contribute to the
community. Her efforts to build homes for the less
fortunate are a testament to her compassion and her
belief that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable
place to live. By doing so, she is not only providing
tangible support to those in need, but also setting an
example for others to follow.
Dr. Uy's service-oriented leadership is also reflected in
her approach to community extension. Her emphasis
on community engagement and outreach is a powerful
example of how leaders can contribute to the well-
being of their communities. By working closely with
the city to promote its beauty and by donating the St.
John of Sahagun Community Park, she has
demonstrated her belief in the importance of
community spaces and her willingness to contribute to
their creation.
Overall, Dr. Francisca T. Uy's commitment to service
to others is a defining aspect of her leadership. Her
efforts to provide pro-poor education, build homes for
the less fortunate, and engage with her community are
a testament to her compassion, dedication, and
commitment to making a positive difference in the
lives of those around her. Her leadership provides a
Sasan & Kilag
powerful example of how leaders can use their
position to contribute to the well-being of others and
make a positive impact on their communities.
Conclusion
This study provides an in-depth analysis of the
leadership skills and philanthropic efforts of Dr.
Francisca T. Uy, also known as Doc Franz. The study
aimed to investigate how Doc Franz was able to
establish a successful school despite the challenges
posed by the pandemic, her mission to provide high-
quality education to underprivileged students, her
community extension program, and her commitment to
service to others.
The findings of this study indicate that Doc Franz is a
visionary leader who possesses exceptional skills in
problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability. She was
able to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic
by leveraging her expertise in online learning and by
implementing strict health protocols. This allowed her
to establish a school that provides high-quality
education to students even during the pandemic.
Moreover, the study also revealed that Doc Franz has a
strong commitment to pro-poor education. Her vision
of providing high-quality education to students who
have never had the opportunity to attend a private
institution has been realized through her founding of a
pro-poor multiple intelligence school. Her school has
not only provided students with access to quality
education but also equipped them with the necessary
skills to succeed in life.
Additionally, the study highlighted Doc Franz's
community extension program, which showcased her
commitment to serving others. Her donation of the St.
John of Sahagun Community Park to the city has been
a testament to her love for the community. Her
community extension program has also provided
opportunities for the less fortunate to have access to
basic necessities such as food and housing.
The study revealed Doc Franz's commitment to service
to others. Her passion for helping the less fortunate has
inspired her to build homes for senior citizens, people
with disabilities, those who are sick, and families who
can barely afford three meals a day. Her commitment
to service to others has been unwavering even after a
year has passed.
This study has shed light on the remarkable leadership
skills and philanthropic efforts of Dr. Francisca T. Uy.
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Research Article
The study has provided insights into how her
leadership skills and vision have enabled her to
establish a school and provide access to quality
education to the less privileged. It has also highlighted
her commitment to serving the community and helping
the less fortunate. The findings of this study have
practical implications for leaders and policymakers in
the education sector who aspire to establish institutions
that promote pro-poor education and community
service.
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Affiliations and Corresponding Information
John Michael V. Sasan
PAU Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc. - Philippines
Osias kit T. Kilag
PAU Excellencia Global Academy Foundation, Inc. - Philippines
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