The Development of the Teaching Profession: From Vocation to Dedication

Introduction

The teaching profession is not merely technical, but also an integral part of civilization, shaping the direction of future generations. With the dynamics and globalization of the world, the role of a teacher has undergone a significant transformation. While previously considered merely a teaching profession or vocational worker, teachers are now required to be individuals with integrity, knowledge, and a high level of dedication to national character development (Surani et al., 2023).

                 This transformation arises not only from the demands of the education system, but also from the emergence of new challenges: the digitalization of education, social inequality, and a character crisis among students. In this context, teachers are positioned as agents of social change, not merely transferring knowledge but also shaping fundamental human values through exemplary behavior and ethics (Mahmusi, 2023). Therefore, the urgency of teacher professionalism and ethics is an integral part of educational progress.

 

Change Historical and Constitutional Teaching Profession

                 The development of the teaching profession in Indonesia reflects a shift from community-based education and spiritual values to an institution-based national education system. Before independence, education focused on the transmission of religious and traditional values, which took place in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and surau (prayer houses). Teachers at that time were respected not for their professional qualifications, but for their spiritual and social depth (Surani et al., 2023).

                 Of institutions such as Teacher Training Schools (SPG) and Teacher Training Institutes (LPTK). Thus, until the early 2000s, the teaching profession was still often considered a second-grade job. Problems such as investigating welfare, low social status, and limited access to development competence become obstacles in strengthening the position of teachers within the national education system (Anwar, 2024).

                 Changes have been noticeable since the implementation of Constitution Number 14 of 2005 concerning Teachers and Lecturers. Rules: This set of conditions that teachers must fulfill includes certification, entitlement to allowance for a professional role, and mandatory follow-up training for sustainability. Policy: This is a way of positioning your official teachers as expected professional staff who uphold high standards of ethics, competence, and responsibility in their social roles (Rindaningsih & Fahyuni, 2022).

                 The implementation of the Teachers and Lecturers Law marks a significant transformation in the regulations, bringing important consequences for shaping the identity of the new teaching profession. Teachers today not only fulfill academic qualifications but also possess multidimensional competencies that encompass pedagogical, social, professional, and personal realms. This opens the door to improvement in quality education, but also demands systemic support, such as providing training based on needs, proper appreciation, and strengthening a culture of Study throughout life. Although many teachers start internalizing their role as agents of change, challenges such as administrative burden, excess, and gaps between policies and practices still become obstacles, seriously affecting the embodiment of ideal professionalism (Yuliah, 2021; Taloim & Arifianto, 2023).

Dimensions of Competence and Ethics in the Teaching Profession

                 Like other professions, teaching is based on the principles of professionalism, which encompass competence, autonomy, and community service. Minister of National Education Regulation No. 16 of 2007 stipulates that teachers must possess four types of competencies: pedagogical, professional, personality, and social. This means that teachers must not only master subject matter but also possess the ability to build healthy and constructive relationships with students and their environment (Lestar & Nuraisyah, 2025).

                 However, technical skills cannot stand alone without being based on professional ethics. Ethics serve as the moral foundation that determines the quality of teachers' actions and decisions in daily practice. In carrying out their duties, teachers are required not only to comply with regulations but also to act by values such as integrity, responsibility, and exemplary behavior (Mahmudi, 2023). The Indonesian Teacher Code of Ethics outlines the responsibilities of teachers to students, colleagues, and society as a whole.

                 The function of ethics in the teaching profession also includes its ability to serve as a guide in navigating moral dilemmas. For example, when teachers face administrative pressure or conflicts of interest, ethics serve as a compass that guides their actions, ensuring they remain aligned with principles of justice and humanity. Highly ethical teachers will create a fair and safe learning environment that respects the rights of all students, including those related to in-class evaluation and treatment practices (Mahmudi, 2023).

Dedication as the Foundation of the Teaching Profession

                 Dedication in the teaching profession cannot be viewed as an optional attribute, but rather as the core character of a true teacher. Dedication reflects a comprehensive commitment, both morally, emotionally, and spiritually, to the profession and the development of students. Teachers with high dedication consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to providing meaningful learning, despite often facing various obstacles, such as limited infrastructure, low wages, and a complex work environment (Surani et al., 2023).

                 Teacher dedication manifests itself in professional attitudes such as perseverance, sincerity, empathy, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve. This not only reflects loyalty to their duties but also demonstrates integrity toward the educational mission itself. Even when structural and policy support is not entirely in place, dedicated teachers do not give up; instead, they find ways to maintain learning as an empowering space (Miramadhani & Putri, 2024).

                 In the context of professionalism, dedication is a crucial bridge between competence and ethics. Teachers who possess extensive knowledge but lack dedication are vulnerable to being trapped in transactional or mechanistic practices. Conversely, dedication translates competence and ethics into concrete actions that directly impact students and the school environment. Dedicated teachers are not satisfied with minimal results but strive to encourage students to reach their full potential, both academically and in character (Anwar, 2024; Munawir et al., 2022).

                 Dedication is also integral to ongoing professional development activities. Dedicated teachers actively participate in training, seminars, scientific discussions, and even write scientific papers as a form of intellectual contribution to the world of education. This awareness of continuous learning reflects the understanding that being a teacher is a lifelong learning process, not only for students but also for the teachers themselves (Yacob, 2023; Ritonga, 2024).

                 Research indicates that teachers who demonstrate high dedication and actively participate in continuing professional development (CPD) programs tend to have a significant positive impact on creating a conducive and dignified learning environment. This also contributes to improving the overall quality of education and addressing the challenges of 21st-century educational transformation (Yuliah, 2021; Nurhijrah, 2024). Dedicated teachers will view each training not as an administrative burden but as an opportunity to strengthen their competencies and expand the impact of classroom learning.

                 Thus, the teacher's dedication is an element that is not inseparable from successful education. He is not only about working hard or loyalty to institutions, but also about the Spirit of continuous dedication to values and sublime education. Dedication is also a differentiator between teachers who merely teach and those who teach and inspire, as well as form civilization.

The Urgency of Dedication and Ethics in the Modern Era

                 In today's increasingly dynamic and complex digital era, teachers' moral and social responsibilities have expanded significantly. Rapidly evolving information and communication technologies have opened up numerous learning opportunities, such as easy access to learning resources, online learning, and interactive platforms that enrich students' experiences. However, these technological advancements also bring new challenges, including the spread of invalid information, disinformation, cyberbullying, and the adverse effects of social media, which can directly and indirectly influence students' thinking and behavior.

                 In this context, teachers are no longer merely transmitters of knowledge or facilitators of learning; they are also educators. They must possess strong digital competencies to productively integrate technology into the teaching and learning process. Furthermore, teachers are also expected to possess ethical sensitivity and moral insight to filter and balance negative influences originating from the digital space. The role of teachers expands to include guardians of virtuous values, protectors of students' critical thinking, and safeguards of the educational process amid the rapid and often misleading flow of information (Lestari & Nuraisyah, 2025).

                 Therefore, values such as dedication and ethics are no longer considered optional attributes, but rather essential core elements in building and maintaining the dignity of the teaching profession. A teacher who is highly dedicated and upholds professional ethics will be an authentic role model for their students, both intellectually and morally. They not only educate students to excel academically but also instill life values such as responsibility, empathy, honesty, and fairness.

                 Furthermore, teachers who make ethics and dedication the foundation of their professional practice have great potential to become agents of shaping a cultured, just, and civilized society. In the long term, they will not only produce competent graduates but also play an active role in building a civilization that upholds humanitarian values and integrity. Thus, ethical and dedicated teachers not only meet current educational needs but also play a key role in building a future generation that is both character-strong and intellectually intelligent.

Conclusion

                 The transformation of the teaching profession in Indonesia demonstrates a profound shift in meaning: from a technical vocational job to a moral calling that demands ethical responsibility and high dedication. This change is not merely structural or administrative, but requires reflection on the fundamental meaning and values of the teaching profession itself.

                 The future challenges facing the teaching profession lie not only in improving technical skills but also in developing an ethical and dedicated identity. The combination of competence, ethics, and dedication is the foundation for ensuring that teachers remain central and respected in the face of the rapid and complex changes of the times. Integrity and exemplary behavior; teachers will still become the determinants of a future quality​ nation.

 

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