It was another after school evening, and Mialee and Scottie’s living room had become the unofficial meeting spot for a trio of passionate educators determined to change the world, one classroom at a time. The dim light of the room was softened by the glow of Mialee’s laptop, which displayed an open Google Doc titled “How to Craft Your Classroom Vision for Teaching and Learning: Step by Step Guide.”
Scottie, as always, was the first to break the silence. “Alright, y’all, I don’t know about you, but none of these generic vision statements I’m seeing on Kamala Harris’ internet stand out. ‘Create lifelong learners,’ ‘Foster a love of knowledge’—blah, blah, blah. I’m looking for something with some real substance.”
Mialee chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Agreed. We need visions that reflect the actual work we’re doing and the kind of future we want to build for our students.”
Malik, who had been silently scrolling through the guide Mialee sent, looked up. “You know, this guide nails it. It’s like a blueprint for transforming our classrooms. I’ve been thinking a lot about my vision, but it’s tough. I want it to be more than just words on paper—I want it to guide every decision I make.”
Scottie leaned over to peek at his screen. “Well, let’s just use this guide to draft our visions. We’ll collaborate, offer feedback, and hold each other accountable.”
Mialee nodded. “I’m in. Let’s start with mine. Here’s what I’ve been working on: ‘I envision a classroom where every student is empowered to critically engage with the world, deeply explore their own and others’ cultural identities, advance their academic skills, and build the confidence to make meaningful contributions to society.’”
Malik raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Dang, Mialee, you didn’t come to play! That’s powerful.”
Scottie leaned back in her chair, thinking. “It’s deep, for sure. But it’s also actionable. I can see how each part of that vision would play out in your classroom—critical engagement, cultural exploration, academic advancement, and confidence-building. It’s like you’re crafting future leaders.”
Mialee smiled, appreciative of the feedback. “That’s the goal. I want my students to feel empowered and know that their voices matter and can make a difference. My vision, of course, is inspired by culturally relevant pedagogy.”
Malik tapped his chin, lost in thought. “Alright, let me give mine a shot. I’ve been playing around with this: ‘I envision a classroom where students are inspired to question the status quo, think creatively, and collaborate across cultural boundaries. My classroom will be a space where diversity is celebrated, and every student is encouraged to pursue their passions while developing the skills to innovate and lead.’”
Scottie clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up. “Now we’re talking! That’s bold, Malik. You’re creating a space where students aren’t just learning—they’re challenging the world around them and leading the charge for change.”
Mialee nodded in agreement. “I love how your vision emphasizes creativity and collaboration. Those are key components of a culturally relevant classroom. Plus, you’re making diversity a cornerstone, which is so important.”
“Thanks, y’all. I want my students to leave my classroom not just with knowledge but with the drive and skills to create something new, something better.” Malik nods thoughtfully.
Scottie leaned forward, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Alright, my turn. Here’s what I’ve got: ‘I envision a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued—where their unique strengths are recognized and nurtured. My classroom will be a safe space for students to explore their identities, challenge injustices, and develop the resilience to overcome obstacles. We’ll cultivate a community of learners who support each other in their growth and are unafraid to take risks in pursuit of their goals.’”
Malik nodded approvingly. “That’s Scottie all the way. You’re all about community and empowerment. I can see how your students would thrive in that kind of environment.”
Mialee added, “Your focus on resilience is really powerful, Scottie. We know our students face so many challenges, and building that resilience is key to helping them navigate the world. Plus, you’re making sure they feel valued, which is at the heart of a culturally relevant classroom.”
“Yes! I want my students to know that they matter, that their voices are important and that they have the power to make change happen. And like you said, Mialee, it’s all about empowerment.” Scottie smiled.
Mialee glanced at the guide on her screen, then back at her friends. “Yall, we are really off to a great start. Our visions are different, but they all have the same core values—critical consciousness, cultural competence, and advancing student learning.
“Fa sho,” Malik nodded. “We’re not just teachers—we’re visionaries. We’re crafting classrooms that reflect the future we want to see, and that’s no small feat.”
Scottie raised her mug in a toast. “To the future classroom—where every student thrives, every voice is heard, and every vision becomes a reality.”
Mialee and Malik clinked their glasses with hers, a silent vow passing between them. They were more than ready to take on the challenges of the new school year, armed with visions that would guide their every step. Together, they were setting the stage for transformation—not just in their classrooms but in the lives of every student they had the privilege to teach.
Reflection Questions
- How does your current classroom vision align with the core values of critical consciousness, cultural competence, and advancing student learning? What adjustments could you make to better reflect these values in your teaching practice?
- Reflecting on the visions shared by Mialee, Malik, and Scottie, which aspects resonate most with your educational philosophy? How can you incorporate these elements into your own classroom to foster a more inclusive and empowering environment for your students?
- Consider the importance of collaboration and feedback in the process of crafting a classroom vision. How can you engage with your colleagues to collaboratively refine and enhance your vision, ensuring it truly guides every decision you make in your teaching practice?
Tamera Malone 
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