Management of the Teacher Mover Program in Improving Teacher Professionalism at Utue Elementary School and Paloh Village Elementary School, Pidie District

Abstract

One of the key policies of the Merdeka Belajar (Independent Learning) program is the Guru Penggerak (Teacher Activator) initiative. These teachers serve as innovators, responsive leaders in student learning, and agents of change who drive improvements in teaching practices, ultimately enhancing overall learning quality. This study aims to describe the management of the Guru Penggerak program in improving teacher professionalism at SDN Utue and SDN Paloh. A qualitative descriptive approach was used, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative descriptive analysis, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing.The findings indicate that the planning phase involves coordinating the school's vision and mission with the demands of the independent curriculum and developing innovative teaching strategies. The program is supported by all school stakeholders to encourage teacher participation and foster collaboration for a positive school environment. The implementation focuses on student-centered learning approaches tailored to students' needs and learning styles. Evaluation includes designing assessment instruments, conducting initial, mid-term, and final assessments, and using reflection as a basis for continuous improvement. Challenges in enhancing teacher professionalism include limited infrastructure, communication barriers due to varying student comprehension, and the demanding schedule of balancing teaching duties, family responsibilities, and community roles.