Building professional characters based on a teacher’s understanding of professionalism

This research aims at exploring an understanding of professionalism and the professional character frequently needed in the teaching profession. The research methods were quantitative and qualitative approaches involving descriptive research. The data was collected using open questionnaires and interview protocol. The subjects of this research consisted of 74 teachers chosen from 3 (three) areas, namely Yogyakarta Municipality, Sleman and Bantul Regency. This research found that, according to the perception of the teachers, professionalism comprises a teacher’s expertise, social ability, self-integrity, and productive behavior. These four criteria are the benchmarks of a teacher’s competence in building their professional characters through professional development.