A teacher has a responsibility to guide their students in order to improve their quality of life. This is done by instilling good ethical values and character, providing adequate knowledge and academic experience, and offering opportunities and training for students to develop their talents and interests. As someone responsible for the development of students, a teacher must have the necessary professional competencies for their job, including for teachers of Islamic Religious Education (PAI). In this regard, it is important for all educators to have the necessary competencies in their work to avoid plagiarism. This study aims to analyze the professional competencies of PAI teachers at SMP Negeri 21 Malang in overcoming various challenges they face. This study used a qualitative method with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and document studies. The results showed that PAI teachers at SMPN 21 Malang have professional competencies that include social-pedagogical competencies, personality competencies, and professional competencies. However, in practice, PAI teachers face several challenges such as low student learning motivation, lack of discipline in worship, and a decline in student etiquette. To overcome these obstacles, PAI teachers utilize their professional competencies by providing personal counseling and guidance, implementing reward and punishment measures, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders. These challenges and efforts to address them are evidence that professional competencies for PAI teachers are essential to improve the quality of Islamic education.

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