Workload and Challenges of PAI Teachers at State Junior High School 7 Bukittinggi

Abstract

This study discusses the workload and challenges faced by Islamic Education (Pendidikan Agama Islam/PAI) teachers at Junior High School 7 Bukittinggi. PAI teachers bear a heavy responsibility not only in the teaching process, but also as educators, mentors, and role models for students. In the digital age, they face various challenges such as the influence of social media, moral crises, diversity in student backgrounds, and technological developments that affect students’ interests and learning behaviors. Through a qualitative approach involving interviews, observations, and documentation, the study found that teachers’ workloads include teaching, administration, student mentoring, and non-curricular activities. Despite their heavy workload, teachers continue to carry it out with a positive and creative attitude, considering it part of their professional duties. Teachers respond to major challenges such as students’ tendency to get bored easily, differences in religious understanding, limited resources, and competency demands with adaptive and innovative strategies. Overall, this study confirms that PAI teachers continue to play a strategic role in shaping student character and require support from schools and parents to improve the quality of PAI learning.