EMPOWERED TO TEACH, AND INSPIRED TO LEARN

Warm Welcome at SMP Al Azhar 14

I was deployed at SMP Al Azhar 14. We underwent one-month observation period, and another month of actual teaching internship. I thought that teachers and administrators will be strict with our training just like how it’s usually done back home, where expectations are high and supervision can sometimes feel intimidating. However, the moment I stepped into the school, those assumptions began to fade.

From day one, the hospitality of the school community was overwhelming in the best way. The teachers and staff welcomed us not just as visitors, but as part of their family. They would greet us with warm smiles, check in on how we were doing, and were always ready to assist or engage in light-hearted conversations. What surprised me most was how approachable and supportive the administrators were. Instead of being strict supervisors, they treated us as equals, guiding us with kindness and patience throughout our training. The headmaster, and our mentor teacher treated us like were teachers even if we don’t have our license yet.

Teaching Experiences

I admit that their curriculum and their teaching strategies is a bit unfamiliar. The technology- integration amazed me. I witnessed their P5 Rekayasa Teknologi (Pancasila project with the theme of technological engineering). It is an event where Grade 8 and Grade 9 student showcased their fabricated prototypes of rockets, vending machines, water wheel, wind mill, vacuum, rain detector, gas detector, train stations, smoke detectors, and many others. I could remember that our projects back in high school was trying to switch on a light bulb with batteries, and it won’t even work lol. This experience humbled me so much because I thought that our booths during Science Month were already remarkable but we could still make some improvements. Aside from that, planning and delivering the lessons were challenging because we had to do our best to speak in Indonesian and integrate Islamic values, including verses in Arabic as way of reaching out.

School Culture and Environment

One of the most striking aspects of SMP Al Azhar 14 was the strong presence of its core values, which were clearly reflected in both the students and staff. The values of discipline, respect, and faith stood out consistently. Students showed great discipline — from lining up in an orderly manner before entering the classroom, arranging the chairs in the cafeteria to following daily routines with minimal reminders. Respect was also deeply ingrained in the way students interacted with teachers and one another. Simple gestures like greeting us with a bow, saying “Assalamu Alaikum,” is not that simple to me. Faith was at the heart of the school’s identity. Islamic values weren’t just taught — they were lived out daily, students pray in their designated time of the day. Aside from that, students in Al Azhar are so sweet. They regularly give us gifts. I appreciate all of them especially the messages written on the note attached to it. This inspires us to improve our teaching as we also learn from them. I guess this is an epitome of consistency over intensity.

Learning from my Mentor Teacher, Pa Adi

One thing that I learned from my mentor teacher is teaching with patience and compassion. I noticed was how my mentor teacher approached each lesson with calmness and empathy. Rather than rushing to cover content, they took time to ensure that every student understood the material — patiently explaining and re-explaining when needed. I learned that patience is not a passive trait, but an active choice that builds trust and connection with students. Instead of raising their voice or using harsh discipline, my mentor teacher used subtle gestures, eye contact, and respectful reminders to guide student behavior. I saw firsthand how authority doesn’t need to be loud — it can be soft yet firm, respectful yet effective. This was a powerful lesson in classroom management and emotional intelligence. He was also patient with me especially that I’m still trying to adapt to the environment. He helps me in the preparation of my learning materials especially that some of our gadgets are not compatible to theirs. He does not demand too much even if he is more experienced. His humility and professionalism inspired me to always keep learning, stay grounded, and collaborate with others.

Gratitude and Goodbye

As my journey at SMP Al Azhar 14 comes to a close, my heart is full of gratitude. To the students, thank you for welcoming me with open arms, for your smiles, your curiosity, and the joy you brought into every lesson. You reminded me why I chose to be a teacher. Your kindness, respect, and eagerness to learn left a lasting impression on me. To the teachers and staff, thank you for treating me not as a guest or an assistant, but as a fellow educator. Your guidance, encouragement, and generosity made my time here not only meaningful but transformative. You have shown me what it means to teach with sincerity, humility, and purpose.

Leaving is bittersweet. With a heavy heart, I am saying goodbye to a place that has felt like home a place where I found belonging, friendship, and professional growth. But as I return to my home country, I carry with me my learnings in Al Azhar: the quiet strength of discipline, the beauty of faith in action, and the warmth of a caring school community.