As a teacher, one should be in a position to mould and equip students with knowledge that will help them be responsible people in future. When in this profession, a lot is needed to ensure learners get the best. One of these qualities is good communication among teachers.

To be an effective communicator, Collins Barminga, a teacher of biology and chemistry at Mother Mary Complex in Kibagabaga, Kigali, says one needs to be skilled in verbal, written, as well as interpersonal communication.

"Teaching is all about listening, reading, speaking, as well as communicating with learners. This is a vital aspect when it comes to students’ success, both academically and in life outside school,” he says.

However, Barminga says this quality should be as well applied when it comes to teacher-to-teacher communication, to effectively ensure collaboration among them, parents and administrators.

For Richard Nyirimuringa, a retired teacher, communication among teachers is key for students to reach their objectives. He explains that this is so because of the connection their teachers have as colleagues.

When it comes to problem-solving, he says when there is good communication among teachers, it helps them to jointly handle students’ problems more effectively.

"When teachers are working together, it helps them to share new ideas among themselves. Some teachers are ahead of others when it comes to knowledge, development as well as technology. Such teachers can help pass vital information to their colleagues, for them to be more informed and effective. By doing this, it makes it easy for their students to be equipped with the right information and skills, thus improving academic performance,” he says.

On the other hand, Jackline Irabagiza, a mentor and counsellor at Martyrs School in Remera, Kigali, says just like in classrooms, the administration (teachers) should have good interpersonal communication to help both the school and students learn more effectively.

"When a teacher is not able to have good communication with their fellow teachers, it means they can’t practice the same with their learners,” she observes.

Irabagiza notes that good communication is at the core of career excellence for teachers.

"Having effective communication among themselves transits to the classroom, resulting in better learning outcomes,” she adds.

Barminga says good communication among teachers helps promote team work.

Here, he explains that working together as one staff helps the school to manage different issues better as well as ease decision-making.

Additionally, Barminga says for a school to be able to achieve certain goals at the end of a year or any given period of time, there should be strong regular self-assessment of team functioning, which is all brought about by good communication among the staff.

When teachers are able to establish good communication among themselves, Irabagiza says they can act as role models to their students, which spurs greater academic achievement.

"Just like students, teachers also need to listen and learn from their colleagues to become better persons,” she says.

Irabagiza further notes that a good bond among teachers strengthens the relationship between students, teachers and school community in general as it creates an overall positive learning experience.

"Good communication leads to high confidence and hence, enables one to perform better at whatever they are doing. If a teacher excels in communication, they are better positioned to propel learners up the stairs of success,” she says.