Kompetensi Kepemimpinan Kepala Madrasah dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Guru di Madrasah Aliyah Swasta Al Irsyadi Kecamatan Kandangan Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Selatan

Abstract

The leadership of madrasah principals plays a strategic role in improving teacher performance through direction, communication, supervision, mentoring, motivation, and professional development. This study aims to explore the leadership competencies of a madrasah principal in improving teacher performance, the strategies implemented, and the supporting and inhibiting factors at Madrasah Aliyah Swasta Al Irsyadi, Kandangan District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The research informants consisted of one madrasah principal and four teachers selected purposively. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed interactively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that the madrasah principal's leadership competencies are manifested through direction and communication, supervision and mentoring, motivation, feedback, and support for teachers' professional development. These practices were implemented communicatively and participatively, providing teachers with opportunities to express challenges and receive guidance in carrying out their duties. Supporting factors included open communication, collaboration, and teacher participation, while inhibiting factors involved limited time, workload, and limited opportunities for professional development. The findings emphasize that improving teacher performance requires leadership that is contextual, communicative, participatory, and oriented toward continuous mentoring based on teachers' needs and the conditions of the madrasah.