School Principal's Strategy in Improving Teacher Motivation, Competence, and Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.1650Keywords:
Motivation for Teachers' Work, Performance, Principal's Leadership, Teacher Professional CompetenceAbstract
The quality of education in education units is highly determined by the performance of teachers which is influenced by their motivation and competence. The principal has a strategic role to create conditions that allow the improvement of these three aspects simultaneously and integrated. This study aims to examine strategies that can be applied by school principals to improve teacher motivation, competence, and performance, as well as analyze how to implement these strategies effectively. The method used in this study is a literature study that collects and analyzes various sources of information relevant to the topic of the study. The results of the study show that strategies that can be implemented include giving recognition and awards, providing opportunities to participate in decision-making, preparing professional development programs, assigning appropriate tasks, creating a conducive work environment, and implementing an objective performance appraisal system. The implementation of this strategy in an integrated and sustainable manner will provide optimal results to improve the quality of human resources in schools. The implication of this study is the need to develop the leadership skills of school principals that focus on developing human resources to achieve the expected educational goals.
References
Akmal, M. N. A. M. N., Bandar, A. B. A. M. A., Majid, A., & Darmawan, D. D. D. (2025). The Influence of Teacher Competence, Internet Use, and Learning Motivation on Student Learning Outcomes at Al-Jadid Waru Sidoarjo Flagship MTs. Journal of Serambi Ilmu, 26(2), 250-264.
Akmal, M. N. A. M. N., Bandar, A. B. A. M. A., Majid, A., & Darmawan, D. D. D. (2025). Pengaruh Kompetensi Guru, Penggunaan Internet, dan Motivasi Belajar terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa di MTs Unggulan Al-Jadid Waru Sidoarjo. Jurnal Serambi Ilmu, 26(2), 250-264.
Al Laisty, M. D., Darmawan, D., & Fajar, A. S. M. (2024). The Role of Leadership Style in Building a Discipline Culture in Pesantren: Facing the Challenges of Social and Technological Change. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(3), 62-68.
Alam, M. B., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Pengaruh kompetensi guru terhadap hasil belajar peserta didik di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. NUSRA: Jurnal Penelitian dan Ilmu Pendidikan, 6(1), 48-59.
Alfaaza, M. F., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Pengaruh Motivasi Belajar, Kreativitas Belajar, dan Kompetensi Guru terhadap Prestasi Belajar Akidah Akhlak Siswa. Atta'dib Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 6(2), 166-186.
Amarta, Y., Zakiya, N., & Gistituati, N. (2023). Principal Transformational Leadership in Increasing Teacher Motivation in Schools. International Journal of Educational Dynamics, 5(2), 274–280. https://doi.org/10.24036/ijeds.v5i2.423
Anam, R. C., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Pengaruh supervisi kepala sekolah dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja guru di MTS Nurul Ikhlas Sidoarjo. Sulawesi Tenggara Educational Journal, 4(3), 86-92.
Ansar, A., Mattalatta, M., & Kurniawaty, K. (2025). The Influence of Teacher Competence on Teacher Performance Through Work Motivation in Elementary School Environments. Journal of Research in Business and Management., 13(9), 01–05. https://doi.org/10.35629/3002-13090105
Anwar, I. (2025). The Effectiveness of Learning Communities in Developing Teachers’ Competency. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 4(1), 298–308. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v4i1.423
Ardiansyah, R., Wulandari, C., & Lestari, N. D. (2024). Pengaruh Motivasi dan Komunikasi Interpersonal Kepala Sekolah Terhadap Kinerja Guru. Journal of Innovation in Teaching and Instructional Media, 5(1), 339–347. https://doi.org/10.52690/jitim.v5i1.1030
Arifin, S., & Darmawan, D. (2021). Technology Access and Digital Skills: Bridging the Gaps in Education and Employment Opportunities in the Age of Technology 4.0. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 163-168.
Arum, D. S., Hardiyanti, M. T., Noor, T., Wibowo, A., Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Penguatan Kompetensi Guru dalam Penyusunan Modul Ajar Kurikulum Merdeka. Ekspresi: Publikasi Kegiatan Pengabdian Indonesia, 1(3), 25–34.
Bashor, M., El-Yunusi, M. Y. M., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Pengaruh Gaya Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah, Profesionalisme Guru, dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Guru MI Muslimat NU Pucang Sidoarjo. Journal on Education, 7(1), 2427-2451.
Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2019). Transformational Leadership. Psychology Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315173089
Bayhaqi, H. N., & Darmawan, D. (2025a). Do Teacher Competence, Learning Environment, and Academic Stress Significantly Influence Student Learning Outcomes in Islamic Junior High Schools?. Prima Magistra: Jurnal Ilmiah Kependidikan, 6(3), 396-412.
Bayhaqi, H. N., & Darmawan, D. (2025b). Factors Influencing Student Learning Outcomes: Teacher Competence, Learning Environment, and Learning Stress. At-Taqaddum, 17(1), 46-67.
Bayhaqi, H. N., Rafsanjani, M. Z., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Pengaruh Kedisiplinan Belajar dan Kompetensi Guru terhadap Prestasi Belajar Siswa. FONDATIA, 9(2), 393-408.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473914625
Chada, N. S. (2023). Structured Evaluation in Mentoring Programs for Student Career Development in Higher Education. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 2(3), 64–71.
Ciara, M. (2023). Appendix A - Data Analysis in Detail. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.24565417
Darmawan, D., Mardikaningsih, R., Arifin, S., Sinambela, E. A., & Putra, A. R. (2021). Studi tentang Peranan Variabel Kompetensi, Penilaian Kinerja, dan Kondisi Kerja terhadap Perwujudan Kepuasan Kerja Guru. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Kewirausahaan, 9(2), 516-530.
Darmawan, D. (2024a). Application of Situational Leadership in Decision Making in Dynamic Organizations. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 499-504.
Darmawan, D. (2024b). Pengaruh Servant Leadership Terhadap Kinerja Guru. Tarunaedu: Journal of Education and Learning, 2(2), 80-97.
Darmawan, D., & Haq, M. I. (2026). Kompetensi Profesional Guru PAI dalam Pembelajaran Memotivasi dan Pembentukan Disiplin Siswa MTS. Al Yasini: Jurnal Keislaman, Sosial, hukum dan Pendidikan, 11(2), 334-334.
Darmawan, D., & Mahbubah, S. M. (2026). Iklim Religius Madrasah dan Pembentukan Karakter Siswa MI (Madrasah Religious Climate and Character Formation of MI Students). Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan, 12(3. C), 245-270.
Darmawan, D., & Pernaningtik, N. A. (2026). Ekosistem Pembentukan Motivasi: Keteladanan Guru dan Pendampingan Orang Tua pada Siswa Madrasah. Pahlawan Jurnal Pendidikan-Sosial-Budaya, 22(1), 89-112.
Darmawan, D., Al Madury, N. S. S. S., & Najibah, M. A. (2026). Pengaruh Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru dan Motivasi Belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar Pendidikan Agama Islam Setingkat Sekolah Menengah Pertama. Didaktik: Jurnal Ilmiah PGSD STKIP Subang, 12(01), 61-88.
Darmawan, D., Andini, H., & Sholihah, P. F. (2026). Pengaruh Kompetensi Guru dan Metode Pembelajaran terhadap Hasil Belajar pada Siswa Mts. Didaktik: Jurnal Ilmiah PGSD STKIP Subang, 12(01), 188-208.
Demena, W. K., Padang, N. I., & Lewaherilla, A. (2025). Coaching And Mentoring Models In Increasing The Capacity Of Novice Elementary School Teachers. Ludi Litterarri, 2(2), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.62872/r9x7sz56
Erkinovna, Y. M. (2025). A New Approach To The Development Of Professional Competencies Of A Teacher. International Journal of Pedagogics. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijp/volume05issue12-102
Firmansyah, B., Aliyah, N. D., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Pengaruh kompetensi guru PAI, perhatian orang tua, dan pergaulan teman sebaya terhadap pembentukan karakter siswa di MA Unggulan Nur Al-Jadid Waru Sidoarjo. TEACHING: Jurnal Inovasi Keguruan Dan Ilmu Pendidikan, 4(3), 203-214.
Gani, A. (2025). Character Education and Children's Socio-Emotional Development in the Social Interaction Environment. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 5(1), 103-116.
Gautama, E. C., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2022). Driving Sustainable Behavior Change Through Education and Public Awareness. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(1), 259-264.
Hargreaves, A., & O’Connor, M. T. (2018). Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School. Teachers College Press.
Hariani, M., D. Darmawan, & Y. Yuli. (2016). Motivasi Kerja dan Kepemimpinan untuk Mengembangkan Kinerja Guru, Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Pendidikan Indonesia, 3(2), 67-76.
Hariani, M., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2022). The Social Education Role in Shaping Students' Global Awareness in Higher Education. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(1), 55-60.
Hariani, M., & Mendrika, V. (2023). Online Learning Dynamics and Lecturers' Competence in Technology. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 3(3), 39-42.
Hariani, M., & Wardoyo, D. T. W. (2024). Servant Leadership Mechanisms Enabling Psychological Capital Formation for Academic Staff in Higher Education. Journal of Science, Technology and Society (SICO), 5(2), 45–58.
Hariani, M., Mardikaningsih, R., Darmawan, D., Nuraini, R., & Halizah, S. N. (2025). Transformational leadership, student participation, and campus digital communication: A systematic review of green management implementation in higher education. In Proceeding of International Management Conference and Progressive Papers (Vol. 3, No. 1).
Hariani, M., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2026). Job Creafting dan Organizational Learning Culture Sebagai Prediktor Modal Psikologis di Kalangan Staf Universitas. Jurnal Ilmiah Satyagraha, 9(1), 129-145.
Hidayat, L., Abimanyu, I., Darmawan, D., & Al Mursyidi, B. M. (2025). Hasil Belajar Siswa: Analisis Pengaruh Kompetensi Guru, Motivasi Belajar, dan Lingkungan Belajar. PESHUM: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial dan Humaniora, 5(1), 1605-1619.
Hornyák, Á. (2025). Teacher motivation and its impact on the quality of education especially in disadvantaged areas: Challenges and opportunities for education policy. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(6), 1931–1941. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i6.8279
Irfan, M., Kurniawan, Y., Darmawan, D., & Prasetyo, J. (2023). Studi Empiris tentang Kajian Peran Kebijakan Penggajian dan Iklim Sekolah terhadap Kinerja Guru. Jurnal Pendidikan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian Masyarakat, 3(2), 21-34.
Ismaya, B., Sutrisno, S., Darmawan, D., Jahroni, J., & Kholis, N. (2023). Strategy for leadership: how principals of successful schools improve education quality. Al-Tanzim: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 247.
Latif, A., Darmawan, D., & El Yunusi, M. Y. M. (2024). Pengaruh Lingkungan Sekolah, Kompetensi Guru dan Pola Asuh Orang Tua Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa MA Al Fatich Tambak Osowilangun Surabaya. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 23(2), 290-299.
Liwak, S., Darmawan, D., & El-Yunusi, M. Y. M. (2023). Adaptation Readiness and Resilience Building of Novice Teachers in Navigating the World of Education Professional Work. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 213-222.
Mahmud, A., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Pengaruh Budaya Pesantren dan Kompetensi Pengajar Terhadap Pembentukan Karakter Peserta Didik di Pesantren An-Nur Ha Jember. Nusantara: Jurnal Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial, 12(5), 2212-2220.
Mardikaningsih, R. & M. Hariani. (2016). Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa Dengan Kontribusi dari Kompetensi Kepribadian Guru serta Kreativitas Siswa. Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Pendidikan Indonesia, 3(1), 1-12.
Mardikaningsih, R. & D. Darmawan. (2021). Peran Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru dan Lingkungan Belajar untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Siswa, Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen dan Pendidikan Indonesia, 8(1), 33-39.
Mardikaningsih, R., Sinambela, E. A., & Mendrika, V. (2022). The role of work motivation, competency, and professionalism on teacher performance. Ekonomi, Keuangan, Investasi Dan Syariah (EKUITAS), 4(1), 250-255.
Mardikaningsih, R. (2023). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan dan Iklim Organisasi Terhadap Kinerja Guru. Jurnal Pendidikan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian Masyarakat, 3(1), 45-56.
Musthofa, M. A. R., & Darmawan, D. (2024). School PrincSchool Principal Leadership And Work Environment: Driving Teacher Motivation At The Tanbihul Ghofilin Al Mustofa Sidoraharjo Kedamean Foundation. Hikamatzu| Journal of Multidisciplinary, 1(2), 46-61.
Musyaibin, M., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Unraveling The Impact Of Teacher Competence And Parenting Styles On Student Motivation At MA Nw Kotaraja, East Lombok, NTB. Hikamatzu| Journal of Multidisciplinary, 1(1), 355-371.
Nachshoni, A. (2024). The Impact of Principal on Teacher Motivation in Secondary Schools. Deleted Journal, 4(1), 27–44. https://doi.org/10.60087/jaigs.v4i1.79
Naveen, P. (2025). Performance Appraisal System for Faculty in Engineering Institutions. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202504.1730.v1
Niswatin, K., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Pengaruh Kompetensi Kepribadian Guru PAI Terhadap Akhlak Setingkat Sekolah Menengah Pertama. TSAQOFAH Учредители: Darul Yasin Al Sys, 5(1), 40-54.
Pramudya, G., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2021a). Peningkatan Kinerja Guru Melalui Motivasi Diri, Konsep Diri Dan Efikasi Diri (Studi Pada SMAN 1 Gondang Kabupaten Mojokerto). Jurnal Pendidikan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian Masyarakat, 1(1), 9-20.
Pramudya, G., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2021b). Teacher Self-Efficacy and Engagement in Professional Development. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 233-238.
Putra, A. R., & Darmawan, D. (2022). Penguatan Komitmen Organisasi melalui Kebijakan Pengembangan Karir dan Profesionalisme Karyawan. Jurnal Ilmiah Satyagraha, 5(2), 45-55.
Putra, A. R., & Sinambela, E. A. (2021). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan dan Komunikasi Kerja terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Dosen. Jurnal Simki Pedagogia, 4(1), 58-67.
Qocayeva, X. (2025). The impact of teacher motivaton on quality education. Наукові Праці. https://doi.org/10.69682/arti.2025.92(6).54-57
Rahmawati, Y., & Darmawan, D. D. (2024). Research on The Relationship Between Work Motivation, School Principal Leadership, and Teacher Performance in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah At Taufiq Lakarsantri Surabaya. International Journal of Islamic Thought and Humanities, 3(1), 59-69.
Rasmitadila, R., Rachmadtullah, R., Prasetyo, T., Humaira, M. A., Sari, D. A., Samsudin, A., Nurtanto, M., Fitriyani, F., & Zamzam, R. (2025). Professional development for Indonesian elementary school teachers: Increased competency and sustainable teacher development programs. F1000Research, 13, 1375–1375. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.156946.2
Rojak, J. A. (2023). Factors Affecting Lecturer Involvement in Academic Culture Development and How Academic Culture Implements Higher Education. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 29-34.
Rojak, J. A. (2024a). The relationship of transformational leadership and organizational commitment in higher education. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(1), 14-20.
Rojak, J. A. (2024b). Structured Mentoring as a Catalyst for Developing Professional Competencies Among University Students. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(2), 87-92.
Rojak, J. A. (2025). Digital Technology as a Driver of Innovative Culture and Creative Engagement of Higher Education Human Resources. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 7(3), 11-17.
Rojak, J. A., Darmawan, D., & Marsal, A. P. (2025). Strategic development of mental health-based organizational culture to improve institutional workforce performance in higher education. In Proceeding of International Management Conference and Progressive Papers (Vol. 3, No. 1).
Romli, A. B. S., & Darmawan, D. (2025). Pengaruh kompetensi pedagogik guru terhadap hasil belajar siswa setingkat menengah kejuruan. Jurnal Manajemen dan Pendidikan Agama Islam, 3(2), 130-146.
Rozikin, M. Z., Ghozali, S., & Darmawan, D. (2023). Teacher Adaptation and the Role of Educational Institutions to Foster Learner Discipline and Participation in the Classroom. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 199-212.
Sahid, S., & Darmawan, D. (2024). Level Of Job Satisfaction And Organizational Culture: The Key To Teacher Commitment At The Al Jahidiyah Foundation, Geger, Bangkalan. Hikamatzu| Journal of Multidisciplinary, 1(1), 320-336.
Sajjapong, T., Darmawan, D., & Marsal, A. P. (2022). The Role of Social Stereotypes in Shaping Opportunities and Inequalities in Society: Their Impact on Education, Employment, and Intergroup Interactions. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 1(1), 44–49.
Saputra, R. T., & Darmawan, D. (2023). Improving teacher performance through effective leadership, work discipline, and work motivation. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 2(2), 31-36.
Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2022). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446211382
Sulipah, S., & Mardikaningsih, R. (2023). Strategies to Improve Teacher Performance through Motivation and Work Discipline. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 2(3), 37-43.
Surbakti, F. B., Ritonga, D. I., & Amarta, M. A. (2023). Principal Management in Improving Teacher Competency. 3(2), 338–343. https://doi.org/10.62361/ikamas.v3i2.51
Tikiawati, T., & Sulistyaningrum, S. D. (2024). Teachers’ Involvement in Managerial Decision-Making Processes in Schools. International Journal of Educational Research and Social Sciences, 5(2), 301–306. https://doi.org/10.51601/ijersc.v5i2.797
Usman, M. A., & Muhammad, D. A. (2025). School Resources as Management Motivation Strategies on Teacher’s Job Performance in Secondary Schools in Katsina Zonal Education Quality Assurance Katsina State, Nigeria. 13(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.70886/ujer.25131.007
Zaeni, L. M., Wasliman, I., Zaeni, L. M., & Wasliman, I. (2025). Principal Leadership Management Strategies in Developing Teacher Professionalism. Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education, 4(4), 2639–2651. https://doi.org/10.56916/jirpe.v4i4.2161
Zhou, Q., Li, M., Yu, Y., Ming-xuan, C., Wang, J., Yi, K., Han, X., Wang, S., & Wang, S. (2023). Teaching Competency Development. 63–125. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6273-0_4
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Rahayu Mardikanningsih, Chelsea Zahra Auliya, Ningrum Fadilaturrohmah, Didit Darmawan, Mila Hariani
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
