Purpose of the study: This study aims to determine the characteristics of ideal and quality teachers who pass the teacher competency test, teacher problems, teacher’s efforts in implementing learning, and the role of the principal in optimizing competencies to create ideal educators.
Methodology: This research is field research with a qualitative type using two methods in the data collection process, namely questionnaires and documentation. The research was conducted at MI Muhammadiyah Kartasura Surakarta.
Main Findings: Ideal and quality teachers are teachers who pass the professional competency test, which includes mastery of material, structure, concepts, and scientific mindsets that support the subject taught and sustainably develop professionalism through reflective action. While the efforts made are optimizing the use of various learning methods and media, as well as providing reinforcement or appreciation to students who ask or answer questions. The role of the principal in optimizing ideal teacher performance is to try to find solutions so that the learning process runs smoothly following the learning plan that has been made so it does not bring disadvantages to students.
Applications of this study: this research is expected to be applied in schools, universities, and the wider community that focuses on education issues and the quality of teachers and teaching, as well as competence and certification.
Novelty/Originality of this study: this study focuses on discussing problems, characteristics, concepts, and guidelines for optimizing teacher competence towards ideal and quality educators at MI Muhammadiyah Kartasura Surakarta and combined with the theory of ideal and professional teacher concepts according to the national education system in Indonesia.