Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), through a team of lecturers from the Faculty of Education, conducted a Community Service Program (PkM) under the scheme of assignments for professors and structural lecturers, titled “Strengthening Teacher Leadership in the Development of Professional Learning Communities in Elementary Schools in Gunungkidul Regency.”

The program, implemented from July 3 to August 20, 2025, was led by Dr. Dwi Esti Andriani, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.Ed.St., Ed.D., with team members Pandit Isbianti, S.Pd., M.Pd.; Dr. Heri Supriyana, S.Pd., M.Pd.; Meilinda Chrisdian Pertiwi, S.Si., M.Pd.; and Dr. Drs. Suyud, M.Pd. The initiative was designed to enhance teachers’ leadership competencies, enabling them to lead and develop Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in elementary schools.

The implementation adopted the IN 1 – ON – IN 2 training model, integrating theoretical learning, field practice, and reflective evaluation. The IN 1 stage took place at the Moch. Amin Meeting Room, 3rd Floor, Faculty of Education, UNY, followed by the ON stage conducted at each participant’s respective school in Gunungkidul Regency, and concluded with the IN 2 stage held online via Zoom Meeting.

Through this training model, participants were equipped with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of professional learning communities, teacher leadership models, and the development of PLC action plans. During the field implementation stage, participating teachers applied collaborative leadership in their schools, leading peer colleagues and fostering a learning climate conducive to improving instructional quality.

Evaluation results indicated that 75% of participants were able to formulate visions, design programs, and establish effective collaboration within their learning communities, while the remaining 25% demonstrated satisfactory progress. Participants also reported that the IN-ON-IN model was relevant to their professional development needs in the field. Furthermore, school principals were perceived as highly supportive of PLC activities through policy and institutional facilitation.

Nevertheless, several participants expressed the need for continued financial support and external mentoring to ensure the sustainable and autonomous growth of professional learning communities.

Overall, this program not only strengthened teachers’ leadership capacities but also reinforced the partnership between Yogyakarta State University and the Gunungkidul District Education Office, promoting the improvement of primary education quality through academic collaboration and professional practice in schools.