Building Teacher Professionalism : Ideal Roles and Competencies

The rapid development of information technology, globalization, and the demand for
competitive human resources have brought significant changes to the global education
landscape. The education curriculum continues to evolve, emphasizing active learning,
critical thinking, and collaboration, demanding the role of teachers that goes far beyond
simply delivering information. Teachers are now expected to be learning facilitators who
are able to guide students in finding their own knowledge, motivators who are able to
arouse the spirit of learning, and mentors who are able to guide students' personal and
academic development. However, to carry out these complex roles, teachers need
adequate competencies, including pedagogical competencies, personality competencies,
social competencies, and professional competencies that are continuously honed and
developed. The gap between ideal teacher competencies and the reality in the field is still
a major challenge in efforts to improve the quality of education. Therefore, this essay will
discuss in depth about building teacher professionalism through the development of ideal
competencies that are relevant to the demands of 21st century education, with the aim of
contributing to efforts to improve the quality of national education.
1. The Dynamic Shift in the Global Educational Landscape
a. Technology Information and Communication (ICT)
The rapid advancement of ICT has revolutionized access to information and
learning methods. Online learning, educational apps, and digital platforms have
fundamentally altered how students learn and teachers teach. This necessitates a
profound shift in pedagogical approaches. Teachers must not only become
proficient in using these technologies but also integrate them effectively and
meaningfully into their teaching strategies. This integration requires careful
consideration of pedagogical principles to avoid simply replacing traditional
methods with digital equivalents. The focus should be on leveraging technology
to enhance engagement, personalize learning, and foster deeper understanding.
b. Globalization
Globalization intensifies global competition and demands that education systems
produce graduates who are competitive in the international job market. Curricula
must be designed to develop skills relevant to global needs, such as critical
thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication.
Teachers need to prepare students not only for specific careers but also for the
lifelong adaptability required in a constantly evolving world. This includes
fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
c. Modern Curricula (e.g., Kurikulum Merdeka)
Modern curricula are moving away from teacher-centered, traditional approaches
to student-centered learning that emphasize active learning, the development of
21st-century skills (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and
communication), and personalized learning experiences. This requires teachers to
 adopt diverse teaching methodologies, including project-based learning, inquiry-
based learning, and differentiated instruction, catering to diverse learning styles
and needs. Assessment methods also need to shift towards authentic assessments
that measure students' understanding and application of knowledge rather than
rote memorization.
2. The Evolving Role of the Teacher
a. Facilitator of Learning
Teachers are no longer the sole source of knowledge but act as facilitators
guiding students through active learning processes, helping them discover
knowledge for themselves, and construct their understanding. This involves
employing various active learning strategies, such as group discussions, problem-
based projects, and inquiry-based learning, encouraging student-led discussions
and collaborative learning.
b. Motivator
Teachers play a crucial role in motivating students to learn and reach their full
potential. This includes creating a positive and supportive learning environment,
providing constructive feedback, celebrating student successes, and fostering a
growth mindset. Effective motivation strategies involve understanding individual
student needs and tailoring approaches accordingly.
c. Mentor
Teachers function as mentors, guiding students' academic and personal
development, providing career guidance and support, and helping them develop
essential life skills. This necessitates building strong relationships with students,
understanding their individual aspirations, and providing personalized guidance
and support. Mentorship extends beyond the classroom, involving collaboration
with parents and community members.
3. The Ideal Teacher Competencies
a. Pedagogical Competency
This encompasses a deep understanding of learning theories, effective teaching
methods, innovative curriculum design, authentic assessment techniques, and the
ability to provide constructive feedback to students. It also includes the ability to
adapt and integrate various teaching approaches to meet individual student needs
and learning styles. Pedagogical competency requires continuous professional
development and reflection on teaching practices.
b. Personality Competency
This involves positive personal characteristics such as empathy, patience,
honesty, integrity, and the ability to build positive and supportive relationships
with students. Teachers with strong personality competencies create inclusive and
safe learning environments where students feel valued and respected.
c. Social Competence
 This includes effective communication skills with students, parents, and
colleagues; the ability to collaborate effectively in teams; adaptability to diverse
environments; and the ability to build harmonious and productive relationships
with various stakeholders involved in the educational process. Social competency
is crucial for creating a collaborative and inclusive school community.
d. Professional Competency
This involves the ability to continuously develop professional knowledge and
skills through ongoing professional development, self-reflection, action research,
and the effective use of educational technologies. It demonstrates a teacher's
commitment to improvement and the pursuit of quality teaching. This also
includes engaging in professional communities and staying current with
educational research and best practices.
4. Building Teacher Professionalism
a. Ongoing Professional Development
Comprehensive and continuous professional development programs are
essential for enhancing teacher competencies and helping them adapt to changes
in education. This should include opportunities for both formal training and
informal learning, such as mentoring, peer observation, and collaborative
planning.
b. Reflective Practice
Self-reflection is key to improving teaching practices. Teachers need to
regularly reflect on their teaching, identify areas for improvement, and implement
new strategies. This can involve keeping a reflective journal, engaging in peer
observation, or participating in professional learning communities.
c. Collaboration Among Teachers
Collaboration with colleagues provides opportunities to share best practices,
learn from one another, and develop solutions together to address challenges in
teaching. Professional learning communities (PLCs) can be particularly effective
in fostering collaboration and shared learning.
d. Support from the School Environment and Government
A supportive school environment and government policies that support teacher
professional development are essential for the success of efforts to improve
teacher professionalism. This includes providing adequate resources, time, and
opportunities for professional growth. Clear expectations, recognition of
achievements, and a culture of continuous improvement are vital.
Building teacher professionalism is key to the success of educational transformation
in a dynamic global context. Technological developments, such as the use of online
learning platforms and educational applications, as well as the demand for competitive
human resources, such as critical thinking skills and complex problem solving, require a
much more complex role for teachers. They not only convey information, but also
facilitate active learning. For example, through problem-based projects or inquiry-based
learning—motivate students by creating an inclusive and supportive learning
environment, and guide students holistically, such as providing career counseling or
fostering social-emotional skills. This success depends on integrated competencies: a
deep understanding of learning theories (for example, constructivism or project-based
learning), a patient and empathetic personality, effective collaboration skills with parents
and fellow teachers, and a commitment to continuous professional development, such as
attending training or workshops related to the latest educational technology (for example,
AI in education). Teacher professional development requires a holistic and continuous
approach, involving formal training, self-reflection through reflection journals or peer
observation, collaboration between teachers in communities of practice, and full support
from schools and the government in the form of access to resources and supportive
policies.
Investment in teacher development not only improves the quality of education, as
seen from increased national exam scores or active student participation in extracurricular
activities, but also ensures a better future for the nation, by producing graduates who are
ready to face global challenges.