This study aims to improve the competence of school teachers in the Province of North Sumatra, Indonesia, through collaboration between the Universitas Negeri Medan and local governments. It introduced a training program model to school teachers in 33 regencies and cities, comprising activities as agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding. The training program in 2016 was implemented with 3,633 teachers from different school levels. The teachers received training on several unit programs, including the teaching profession, curriculum, advanced subject-matter, preparation of teaching and learning packages, teaching and learning organisation, and school-based action research. The results showed that 711 teachers (19.6%) met the required competence for obtaining a professional teaching certificate. In addition, the teachers’ overall competence increased significantly throughout the program. Upon completion of the training program, the teachers are expected to act as role models both during their teaching and learning activities in class as well as in their participation in school services.