International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064 SJIF (2022): 7.942 Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Transformational Leadership and Professionalism to Create an Excellent School Culture and Climate Kikis Megowanto Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Email: infokikis[at]upi.edu Abstract: The improvement of education requires a trustworthy educational leader. Excellent school culture and climate creates excellent students. Mr Michael Singh, Head Teacher of Singapore Intercultural School Kelapa Gading North East Jakarta (SIS KG- NEJ), has a university background in Finance and Education, and has attended many leadership courses. His leadership style is a transformational style that has an influence on an Excellent school culture and climate, which is shown by the people he leads with a professional work ethic, a high level of sense of belonging to the school from teachers and non-teaching staff, harmonious relationships between teachers, and between teachers and staff. He supports the high performance of the people they lead, and even increases the sense of belonging, collaboration, and communication of the people they lead. He also shows a professional attitude from the delivery of vision and mission, planning, giving direction, delegation, organizing, evaluating, and entrepreneurship. His efforts to create a school culture and climate have started since the teacher recruitment process, which prioritizes a sense of responsibility and professionalism from prospective teachers. Keywords: transformational leadership, professionalism, school culture and climate 1. Introduction Education is a critical sector for the progress of the nation in all fields. The advancement of education requires a trustworthy educational leader. The rapid development of science and technology also drives changes in various sectors quickly. The demands of the times are high, directing parents and students to find the right school to take students to face global competition, even to excel. Good and advanced schools are targeted. Even with high costs, they are still willing to send their children to these schools. An excellent school culture and climate creates excellent students. The key factor to build these is the head teacher or head of school or principal. The progress of a school is determined by the school leader. There are no good schools led by bad leaders. Likewise, there are no bad leaders who carry the school improve significantly. Focus or problem formulation How can transformational leadership and professionalism create an excellent school culture and climate? Purpose 1) Knowing the attitudes and behavior of transformational leaders 2) Know the attitude and professional behavior 3) Knowing the culture and climate of superior schools 2. Methodology The methodology used is qualitative and case study at Singapore Intercultural School Kelapa Gading North East Jakarta (SIS KG-NEJ). According to Best (1982: 119) (in Arsita, 2017) qualitative research is a research approach procedure where descriptive data is in the form of writing, and the observed behavior of the subject itself. Descriptive research provides an overview and interpretation of the object being studied as it is. Data and Data Sources Data can be in the form of primary and secondary data. Primary data obtained directly from the subject's observation through interviews. While secondary data, obtained indirectly through second and third hand sources. (Muhtar 2013: 100 in Arsita, 2017). Sources of data were obtained fromMr. Michael Singh as Head Teacher of SIS Kelapa Gading, Manager, Secretary, Head of Department, and Staff within SIS Kelapa Gading NEJ. Data collection technique Data collection is in the form of in-depth interviews and observations. 3. Finding and Discussion 3.1 Finding  Mr Michael Singh, Head Teacher of SIS Kelapa Gading NEJfinished higher education in Finance and Education, and attended many leadership courses/trainings.  Mr Michael Singh stated that the leadership course/ training he received did not help him much in carrying out his duties as a school principal.  MrMichael Singh has a transformational leadership style. This leadership style brings an excellence culture and climate.  His leadership style is different from former leader, which is the uniqueness shown by Mr Michael Singh, and influences the high level of sense of belonging to the school from teachers and education staff. This leadership style also creates a better relationship between teachers and staff.  Mr. Michael Singh also showed a professional attitude at work. Ability in finance is very supportive of his work. Paper ID: SR23620144407 DOI: 10.21275/SR23620144407 2693