Communication is important where resources are limited in a school setting. As an example, the space in the library may not be able to accommodate multiple classes at once. Teachers coordinate with each other to schedule the time needed in the library. If several teachers are working in the same grade in elementary school, they must schedule time for each to supervise activities, such as recess, for the entire grade.
Communication keeps school a safe place for children to learn in. For example, if construction work is taking place in a portion of the school that information should be shared with all of the teachers so they may keep students out of harm's way. Staff should communicate with each other if there is a student they feel is a safety or health risk to other students. This might be due to behavioral issues or the discovery of a condition such as a case of lice.
Communication among school staff keeps teachers better prepared to educate the students. Teachers must let the support staff at the school know if equipment is needed in the classroom for a special project or if equipment in the classroom needs to be repaired. As students move from one class to another, teachers should share information about the students with the new teacher to help that teacher prepare. Teachers sharing new methods, theories and experiences with their peers also bring added value to the school.
Communication between teachers and the administrative staff is critical for a school to function well. If a teacher is going to be unable to work for a day or several days, he must inform the principal or other staff member responsible for finding a substitute teacher. If the teacher has a troublesome student who needs administrative discipline, that must be communicated to the counselors or principal. The school administration provides information to teachers about budgets, curriculum and testing mandates. Successful communication on those subjects keeps the school functioning and makes it possible for teachers to better educate students.