Time to Revisit Your Vision

Vision without action is a daydream
Action without vision is a nightmare.
– Japanese proverb

All high-performing schools share a common trait. They don’t just write vision statements, they use them. A clear school vision keeps leadership focused, staff aligned, and improvement efforts on track. It motivates, defines purpose, guides decision-making, and helps schools stand apart.

As schools break for the winter (or summer), it’s an ideal time for leaders to pause and reflect. Is your school vision driving real change, or is it gathering dust?

Key Reflection Questions for Leaders

Use these prompts to evaluate how your school’s vision is embedded in practice:

• What strategies have we used to build a shared vision?
• Can we connect specific actions to elements of the vision?
• How have we modelled the vision through our leadership?
• What opportunities have we missed to build ownership across our stakeholders?
• Have we shown a visible commitment to change?

Making the Vision Visible

To keep your school vision alive, consider these practical strategies:

1. Climate Surveys
Gather insights from parents, students, and staff to see how well the vision is understood and embraced.

2. Decision-Making Alignment
Every decision, big or small should link back to the vision. If it doesn’t align, question its value.

3. Meeting Agendas
Audit your agendas. How often does the vision show up in your planning, discussions, and action points?

4. Teacher Goal Setting
Ensure staff set personal and professional goals that reflect the school vision. When teachers grow in the right direction, the school does too.

5. Visible Signage
Display the vision across your campus. Make it a reference point for everyon including students, teachers, parents, and visitors.

A strong school vision is not just a slogan. It’s a living guide to the way you lead, plan, and grow. Take time this term break to reflect, realign, and recommit. When your school vision shapes what you do every day, improvement follows.

Remember…..“Every choice you make leads you away from your vision or moves you toward it.”  – Patti Digh

Please leave this field empty

Smart strategies for school leaders – in under 5 minutes a week.

Get weekly leadership insights —designed for educators, school leaders, and aspiring leaders.
Each issue offers a single theme, practical strategies, real-world reflections, and tools to help you lead with confidence, purpose, and impact.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

See Full Bio

Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden