<![CDATA[Islamic Religious Education (IRE) plays a strategic role in shaping students' religious behavior from the elementary school level. This study aims to explore the role of IRE teachers in enhancing students’ religious behavior at SD Negeri 5 Sawa through contextual and applicable learning strategies. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants included teachers, students, and parents. The findings reveal a significant improvement in students’ religious behavior following the replacement of the IRE teacher, reflected in their discipline in performing prayers, participation in religious activities, politeness, honesty, and social awareness. Teachers acted as educators, motivators, and role models in developing students’ religious character through habituation, motivation, and exemplary conduct. The results highlight the importance of teacher competence in creating a religious and conducive learning environment. This study recommends strengthening IRE teacher training and developing a curriculum that supports sustainable character formation in elementary schools. Keywords: Religious behavior, Islamic Religious Education teacher, elementary school, student character, contextual learning, teacher role model, character education. Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) memiliki peran strategis dalam membentuk perilaku religius peserta didik sejak jenjang sekolah dasar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi peran guru PAI dalam meningkatkan perilaku religius siswa di SD Negeri 5 Sawa melalui pendekatan pembelajaran yang kontekstual dan aplikatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Informan terdiri dari guru, siswa, dan orang tua. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa setelah pergantian guru PAI, terjadi peningkatan signifikan dalam aspek religiusitas siswa, seperti disiplin dalam beribadah, aktif mengikuti kegiatan keagamaan, sopan santun, kejujuran, dan kepedulian sosial. Guru berperan sebagai pendidik, motivator, dan teladan dalam membentuk karakter religius siswa melalui pembiasaan, penguatan motivasi, dan keteladanan. Temuan ini menunjukkan pentingnya kompetensi guru dalam menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang religius dan kondusif. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan penguatan pelatihan guru PAI serta pengembangan kurikulum yang mendukung pembentukan karakter religius secara berkelanjutan di sekolah dasar. Kata Kunci: Perilaku religius, guru Pendidikan Agama Islam, sekolah dasar, karakter peserta didik, pembelajaran kontekstual, keteladanan guru, pendidikan karakter.]]>
