Losing role models is a significant source of problems for a civilization. As the times become more tumultuous, identity crises deepen, and moral and ethical degradation worsens. Various demands become more apparent, while expectations are placed on those who are currently striving to stand firm in front of the generation of the community.

Being an educator is not just a profession to save one’s family’s financial situation. It is a misconception to think that becoming a teacher is a reference point for saving our own lives. Being a teacher is indeed one way to save the lives of future generations, in the long-term civilization. If unable to become a role model, a time period will crumble. “Indeed, I was only sent to perfect noble character.”

The role of a teacher, in a narrow sense, is indeed to teach in a school environment. More broadly, teaching and educating are not just about the quality and quantity of the subjects in the teaching module. Educating and teaching are about setting an example. A person who learns must also teach. The learning process does not stop at becoming a doctor or professor; it is a lifelong process. Therefore, the task of teaching is crucial. This means that being a teacher is an absolute necessity. Teaching is not just about dry knowledge. Setting an example is the core of everything.

Often, we pour out criticism about the system or curriculum changes by the government. Restless, not yet resolved and passed the evaluation. Then readapt to something new. Imbalances and confusions always occur. Our various opinions, published from the pandemic to now, consistently address the changing education ecosystem. Restlessness often arises because of the government’s policy mismatch with the results in the field. The demands of the community always exist, but government regulations and decisions are silencing.

So, today’s society is scratching its head and asking again. What innovations are appropriate for the future sustainability of a generation of students in Madrasah? Exemplary, prophetic character. Every teacher and educator is expected to instill character before reaping and forming a habit into a routine. Integrity, credibility, accountability, and intelligence. Just a change of terms from “siddiq, amanah, tabligh” and “fathanah.” Exemplary behavior that every teacher and instructor must possess wherever they are. A teacher with a good spirit always brings forth good educators and students. Without a good spirit, the teaching method is just a method. The teaching module is just a scenario. The curriculum is a design and limitation made to achieve goals. Dry, and difficult to absorb knowledge and learning, “… while you are only given a little knowledge.”

Becoming an example cannot be achieved through a short process. Not just armed with hard work. If not for the closeness to the Creator, the right goals cannot be achieved to face the harshness of life. Exemplary teachers are always prepared to solve difficult problems that are hard to find answers to. The difficulty is not entirely the fault of the students or parents. But the presence of the teacher’s spirit as a pillar and foundation. The unpreparedness of a generation in the future depends on our unpreparedness as teachers and educators, in the beautiful times of a learner.

Quoting from the Arab poet, Asy-Syauqi. “Welcome the teacher, and give him respect. Almost a teacher becomes a messenger, (or equals his function and position)” That a teacher, deserves and should be an example. Not only in front of his students. But also the parents of his students, his neighbors, his siblings, and even his own children. Each of us is a teacher. Each of us is responsible for being an example.

May we all always be teachers who can be a good example, so that we can educate and become pillars of the community, before finally becoming a record in the afterlife. Many things need to be improved, various problems of our children today can be overcome if we are willing to be aware from an early age. rewrite the sentence to make it clearer and more concise: “The new rules will be implemented on Monday.”

“The new rules will take effect on Monday.”