Teachers at St. Mary’s Nai Boys High School in Endebess have been urged to strengthen communication and leadership skills to improve decision-making and learning outcomes in schools.
Speaking during a workshop on Communication and Decision Making in Schools, Board of Management Chairperson Rev. Christine Okoth said schools should be viewed as communities where values are formed, relationships are built, and character is shaped.
According to Rev. Okoth, every teacher occupies a position of leadership and plays a critical role in determining the quality of a school.
The facilitator highlighted key qualities of effective teacher-leaders, including inclusiveness, adaptability, communication, confidence, empathy, responsibility, decision-making, and motivation.
A significant part of the workshop focused on the importance of communication in schools. Rev. Okoth noted that effective communication promotes collaboration among teachers and learners while reducing misunderstandings, rumours, and conflict.
“Communication is the bridge that connects knowledge to understanding and intention to action,” she said.
She observed that poor listening, assumptions, fear of speaking up, rumours, and emotional reactions often undermine effective communication in schools.
To improve communication, teachers were encouraged to practise active listening, communicate clearly, use positive language, and embrace collaborative decision-making.
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Rev. Okoth also urged teachers to cultivate confidence in delivering messages and avoid negative non-verbal communication that may discourage learners.
The workshop was held at St. Mary’s Nai Boys High School and brought together members of the teaching staff for professional reflection and learning.
By Kimtai Cherongis
