Palu (UIN Datokarama Palu PR) – UIN (State Islamic University) Datokarama Palu has partnered with the Parigi Moutong Regency Government in Central Sulawesi to enhance the competencies of teachers, aiming to foster professionalism among educators.
Dr. Askar, the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (FTIK) at UIN Datokarama Palu, emphasized that the development of teacher competencies is a form of contribution and concern from UIN Palu to improve the quality of education in the region.
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to enhance the quality of education, ultimately contributing to the development of outstanding human resources,” stated Dr. Askar.
The Parigi Moutong Regency Government, through its local Education Office, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed by Sunarti, the Head of the Education Office, and Dr. Askar, the Dean of FTIK UIN Palu, at UIN Datokarama’s Rectorate in Palu City.
Dr. Askar explained that through this collaboration, FTIK UIN Palu will provide guidance and mentoring to 60 teachers from Parigi Moutong through the national Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program.
“The teachers will undergo mentoring at the UIN Datokarama Palu’s Teacher Education and Training Institution, involving various approaches and materials to enhance their competencies, including professionalism, pedagogical skills, personal development, and social skills,” he added.
Sunarti, the Head of the Education Office in Parigi Moutong Regency, expressed her appreciation for UIN Palu’s willingness to collaborate in improving teacher competencies.
She hopes that through the PPG program, UIN Palu can maximize the development of teachers from Parigi Moutong, ensuring that they are truly recognized as professional educators.
“This collaboration should be mutually beneficial and provide substantial advantages to both parties,” she said. Sunarti also hopes that this collaboration will continue in the coming years, demonstrating a joint commitment to enhancing the quality of education in the region.
Meanwhile, UIN Palu’s Rector, Professor Sagaf Pettalongi, represented by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Professor Abidin Djafar, pointed out that PPG is a national program organized by involving higher education institutions to enhance academic quality and competency-based teacher education.
“PPG is a program for developing teacher competencies. After completing the PPG program, teachers can carry out their duties and functions professionally and are legally protected,” he explained.
Professor Abidin Djafar emphasized that teachers face significant challenges in performing their duties as professionals, underscoring the necessity of possessing competencies in professionalism, pedagogy, personal development, and social skills.
“These four competency standards must be held and fulfilled by teachers in carrying out their roles and responsibilities,” he concluded.
