ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the role of teachers in instilling essential skills in students in preparation for Indonesia's Golden Generation 2045, using a case study at MA Darul Hikmah Kyai Abdan. Essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership are key components of 21st-century education. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The study was conducted at MA Darul Hikmah Kyai Abdan, involving main subject teachers, the school principal, and 11th and 12th grade students selected purposively. The data were analyzed interactively using Miles and Huberman’s model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The study seeks to examine the teacher's role in developing students' essential skills as a contribution to shaping the Golden Generation 2045. The findings show that teachers play a crucial role as facilitators and mentors in developing students’ skills through active learning methods and activities rooted in pesantren (Islamic boarding school) values. However, the implementation of essential skills still faces challenges such as limited teacher training and suboptimal assessment systems for non-cognitive skills. Therefore, strengthening teacher professionalism and supportive educational policies are needed to ensure that education can truly produce an adaptive, character-driven generation ready to face future challenges. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran guru dalam menanamkan keterampilan esensial siswa menuju Generasi Emas 2045, dengan studi kasus di MA Darul Hikmah Kyai Abdan. Keterampilan esensial seperti berpikir kritis, komunikasi, kolaborasi, dan kepemimpinan menjadi elemen penting dalam pendidikan abad ke-21. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Penelitian dilaksanakan di MA Darul Hikmah Kyai Abdan dengan subjek guru mata pelajaran utama, kepala madrasah, serta siswa kelas XI dan XII yang dipilih secara purposive. Data dianalisis secara interaktif menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman yang mencakup tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji peran guru dalam menanamkan keterampilan esensial siswa sebagai kontribusi menuju Generasi Emas 2045. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru memainkan peran penting sebagai fasilitator dan pembimbing dalam membentuk keterampilan siswa, melalui metode pembelajaran aktif dan kegiatan berbasis nilai kepesantrenan. Meskipun demikian, implementasi keterampilan esensial masih menghadapi tantangan seperti keterbatasan pelatihan guru dan belum optimalnya sistem evaluasi keterampilan non-kognitif. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan penguatan profesionalisme guru dan dukungan kebijakan agar pendidikan benar-benar mampu mencetak generasi yang adaptif, berkarakter, dan siap menghadapi tantangan masa depan.