JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The recruitment of teachers for Sekolah Rakyat is set to commence in April 2025, according to Prof. Muhammad Nuh, the chairman of the school’s formation team. The teachers to be recruited will primarily be graduates of the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program who have yet to be assigned to specific regions.
According to data from the Director-General of Teachers, approximately 60,000 PPG graduates have been mapped by region, indicating a clear plan to strategically place these educators where they are most needed. Nuh stated, "So, teachers who have graduated from PPG and have not been delivered to different areas amount to around 60,000. They have been classified based on their geographical locations, among other criteria." This approach aims to ensure each teacher's placement matches the location of the school, facilitating easier access for both educators and students.
The plan incorporates not just placements but also a detailed selection process aimed at fostering a diverse and capable teaching staff. This process will include additional evaluations focusing on academic competency, social empathy, and the transformative skills necessary for teaching children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Nuh highlighted, "Besides having academic skills, they must possess high social empathy. We want these teachers to build self-confidence in children who have often felt marginalized."
Following recruitment, an intensive month-long training session is scheduled for May 2025, preparing teachers to begin instruction at the start of the new academic year in July. The training initiative is designed to ensure that all teachers are not only qualified but also equipped to handle the diverse needs of their classrooms right from the outset.
In addition to employing PPG graduates, this recruitment initiative also welcomes applications from regions looking to recruit teachers according to their specific criteria. Furthermore, current civil servants (ASN) with proven competencies can also apply for assignments in Sekolah Rakyat. This inclusivity broadens the range of qualified candidates and enhances the educational framework in place.
Regarding the employment status of the recruited teachers, Nuh confirmed that they will initially be contracted, with the possibility of being appointed as civil servants (ASN) in the future, pending discussions and agreement with the Ministry of Education and Culture. He stated, "We will create contracts first, and later there may be a possibility for them to be appointed as ASN, depending on our discussions with the ministry." This measure aims to secure dedicated educators who can evolve with the system and contribute positively to the education landscape.
Nuh emphasized the importance of preparation before the new academic year kicks off. He noted, "After the recruitment process in April, further trainings will be needed. This training could take about a month, so that by early July they are already ready to go." He remains hopeful that this initiative will lead to more effective and accessible education for students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.
As developments progress, it will be interesting to observe how the Sekolah Rakyat initiative unfolds, especially concerning the effectiveness of the teaching strategies implemented and the overall impact on students' academic and social growth. This program not only aims to increase the quantity of teachers but also emphasizes the quality of education delivered to children across varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
As stakeholders await the formal commencement of recruitment and training, the future looks promising for both aspiring teachers and potential students benefiting from this well-structured educational initiative.
