The Rector of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. H. M. Solehuddin, M.Pd., M.A., mentioned in an interview that although the quantity of 1491 graduates of UPI’s Teacher Professional Education Program (PPG) participating in today’s oath-taking ceremony seems substantial, it still falls short of meeting the current demand for teachers. This remains a challenge.
Regardless of this, he further stated, the current focus lies on quality. Formal graduates are already qualified as professional teachers, having been declared formally qualified and tested.
He made these remarks after leading the Oath-Taking Ceremony for the 2023 PPG UPI Graduates, which took place both online and offline at the Gymnasium Building of UPI Campus on Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, on Tuesday (5/3/2024).
“However, there are many issues and challenges that we must face ahead. Times continue to change, and knowledge continues to evolve, making the challenges in education extraordinary. Therefore, formal graduation alone is not enough. In addition to mastering their fields of expertise and skills, professional teachers must also possess personality traits that support our performance both inside and outside the classroom,” expressed Prof. Solehuddin.
Furthermore, Prof. Solehuddin emphasized that today’s teachers must also be capable of adapting by making adjustments to become lifelong learners. If this is achieved, they will become adaptive educators.
He reiterated, “The conclusion is that we must understand that children today live in a digital world, where changes occur rapidly and dynamically. Professional teachers must be able to adapt to these challenges. Utilize information technology skills for the benefit of teaching and education.