IMPLEMENTASI KEPEMIMPINAN KEPALA SEKOLAH DALAM PENINGKATAN KINERJA DAN MINAT KARIR GURU SEKOLAH DASAR DI KECAMATAN SUMBER HARTA SUMATERA SELATAN

ABSTRACT
Rofiq, Moh. 2025. The Implementation of Principal Leadership in Enhancing Teacher Performance and Career Interest at Primary Schools in Sumber Harta District, South Sumatra. Thesis, Master of Pedagogy Program, Postgraduate Directorate, University of Muhammadiyah Malang. Supervisor 1: Ir. Iis Siti Aisyah, MT., Ph.D. | Supervisor 2: Prof. Dr. Lud Waluyo, M.Kes. | Email: [email protected].
School principal leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, particularly in supporting teacher performance and career development. However, challenges such as the approaching retirement age of teachers, limited access to technology, and administrative workload frequently hinder effective leadership implementation. This study aims to analyze the influence of school principal leadership on the performance and career interest of elementary school teachers in Sumber Harta District, South Sumatra. A qualitative method was employed with a case study approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, involving a total of nine teachers and one principal as the main informants. Data analysis was carried out through three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The research findings reveal that the principal provided concrete support through classroom supervision, routine training, informal motivation, and access to information related to certification and professional development. A total of 80% of teachers reported that the principal's leadership positively influenced their performance, while 75% stated a similar impact on their career interest. These results imply that the principal holds a strategic role in creating a productive work environment and supporting the development of human resources in elementary education. Nevertheless, the age factor and limited technological skills among teachers remain significant obstacles that need to be addressed. As a recommendation, there is a need for ongoing technology-based training programs and structured career mentoring for senior teachers. Moreover, school workload management policies should be redesigned to enable principals to focus more effectively on academic leadership. These findings are expected to inform the development of educational policies that are both adaptive and responsive to local needs.