Building a Culture of Ethical Education Through Monthly Teacher Enrichment Programs

Sekolah Tunas Unggul  continues to innovate in developing the quality of its human resources, particularly among educators. One of its concrete initiatives is the Monthly Islamic Study (Kajian Rutin Bulanan), aimed at fostering a culture of education rooted in ethics and exemplary conduct.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, a session titled “Teachers as Uswah: Instilling Ethics Through Example, Not Mere Rhetoric” was held at the Ar-Raudhah Mosque, Tunas Unggul. The event featured Ustadz H. Irwan Kurniawan, Lc, Dipl. Ed., who addressed the critical issue of the growing crisis of manners (adab) in the field of education. He highlighted the increasing cases of bullying, verbal abuse, and the decline of student respect towards teachers—symptoms of a deeper loss of exemplary role models, which should be the very soul of education.

Ustadz Irwan emphasized that character education cannot be delivered through words or instructions alone; it must be lived and embodied. In Islam, the ideal model is known as uswah—a figure who not only teaches goodness but also consistently practices it. Being uswah is not merely about “saying what is right” but about authentically showing it through action. This is exemplified by the prophets, such as Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them), who are described in the Qur’an as uswatun hasanah—the best of role models.

One powerful statement from the speaker served as a moment of deep reflection for all participants:
“A teacher who only conveys knowledge without demonstrating good character is like a bright torch that burns itself out.”

In this context, a teacher is not only a master of subject matter or teaching methods. Their spirit, soul, and character play a much greater role in the success of education. Early Islamic scholars have noted that knowledge without manners is emptiness. A teacher who neglects manners will inevitably lose their authority and influence in shaping students’ character.

This session served as a crucial reminder that true educational reform cannot begin solely with systems, curricula, or technology. Meaningful change must start from within the teacher—from their integrity, sincerity, and commitment to being a living role model for the next generation.

Through this monthly program, teachers are equipped not only with knowledge but also with spiritual and moral strength—empowering them to grow and lead by example. When teachers become uswah, the classroom transforms from a mere learning space into a fertile ground for nurturing a generation that is ethical, knowledgeable, and civilized.

This is the commitment of Tunas Unggul School: to build a better civilization through education deeply rooted in true moral values.