Managing Teacher Professionalism through Principal Leadership in Junior High Schools

Alivia Nurul Fauzasari; Nana Herdiana Abdurrahman

doi:10.58905/jse.v7i1.765

Authors

Alivia Nurul Fauzasari Nusantara Islamic University, Bandung, Indonesia
Nana Herdiana Abdurrahman Nusantara Islamic University, Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58905/jse.v7i1.765

Keywords:

principal management, teacher professionalism, instructional leader-ship, educational management, junior high schooly

Abstract

This study examines principal management practices in improving teacher professionalism at the junior high school level. The research is motivated by persistent challenges related to teacher competence and instructional quality, despite the existence of national policies on teacher professional development. The study aims to analyze how school principals manage planning, organizing, implementation, and supervision and evaluation processes to enhance teacher professionalism. A qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design was employed. The research was conducted at SMPN 2 Agrabinta and SMPN 5 Cibinong in Cianjur Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analysis involving school principals, vice principals, and teachers. Data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, while data trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation, member checking, and audit trails. The findings reveal that principal management in improving teacher professionalism is implemented systematically across four management functions. Planning is based on competency mapping and school needs, organizing involves structured role distribution and collaboration, implementation focuses on academic supervision, training, and mentoring, and supervision and evaluation emphasize reflective and developmental approaches. The study concludes that effective and participatory principal management contributes significantly to sustainable teacher professional development and improved instructional quality in junior high schools

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