A Closer Look at Teachers' Professional Competencies

Preparing students for 21st century life should be started by preparing the teachers since they have a great influence in shaping the education outcomes. Besides, the quality of English teachers also influences on teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Indonesia. This study was aimed at finding out the professional competencies of teachers of English. This study involved three teachers of English, 36 students, the vice-principal of curriculum, and the school principal. The data were collected through observation, questionnaire, interview, and review of documents. The results of the study revealed that the teachers of English at SMKN 3 Palembang were in criteria “competent enough” (73.77%) in completing all aspects of teacher’s professional competencies based on the Ministerial Regulation of National Education Number 16 Year 2007 on the Academic Standards and Competency Qualifications. The findings could contribute some benefits for the teachers of English, the school, and the government in order to gain better quality of teaching and learning English, particularly teachers’ professional competencies.