Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah Dalam Meningkatkan Profesionalitas Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam di SMP IT Daarul Mukhlasin Desa Kagungan Ratu Kec. Tulang Bawang Udik Kab. Tulang Bawang Barat

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of school leadership in improving the professionalism of Islamic Religious Education teachers at SMP IT Daarul Mukhlasin, Kagungan Ratu Village, Tulang Bawang Udik District, Tulang Bawang Barat Regency. The research focuses on leadership strategies, academic supervision, competency development, and the creation of a professional school culture based on Islamic values. A qualitative case study approach was applied, employing observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis as data collection techniques. The collected data were analyzed through data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing to identify leadership patterns influencing teacher professionalism. The findings reveal that the school principal implemented transformational leadership supported by persuasive communication, personal guidance, and motivational reinforcement through role modeling and performance appreciation. Professional development programs such as pedagogical workshops, lesson study, collaborative discussions, and structured supervision were carried out to enhance teachers’ pedagogical, professional, social, and personality competencies. Additionally, environmental support, managerial policies, and religious-based culture served as significant factors in strengthening teacher professionalism. The study concludes that school leadership plays a crucial and strategic role in improving teacher professionalism through a humanistic, collaborative, and empowerment-based approach. The transformational leadership model applied by the principal has proven effective in fostering teacher commitment to instructional quality and sustainable improvement of Islamic education in the school context.