As they sat around the table, discussing their classroom visions, Malik absentmindedly reached into his bag and pulled out a half-eaten sandwich from lunch. He took a big bite and shrugged, seemingly oblivious to the crumbs now clinging to his shirt. “I mean, it’s efficient, right?”
Scottie slowly shook her head, distaste in her eyes, as Mialee jumped in, already deep in thought about how to address the issues. “We need to set some goals. Real goals that align with the vision we have for our students. Goals that address the issues head-on and move us closer to the kind of learning experiences our kids deserve.”
Still side-eyeing Malik’s sandwich crumbs, Scottie nodded in agreement. “Yeah, but not just any goals. They need to be SMART. I don’t have the luxury of vague ideas—classroom management is my top priority. My goals have to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely if I’m going to get this chaos under control.”
Mialee smiled, nodding. “Exactly. Not to your classroom being chaotic, of course, but to the importance of SMART goals. We should start by focusing on what we can control—our classrooms—and ensure our goals are rooted in our vision for culturally relevant teaching.”
Malik muttered under his breath, “It’s chaotic,” earning him a swift pillow toss from Scottie.
He caught it just before it hit. “It’s all good, though! We’re gonna get you right, Scottie. So, what’s first? What’s the plan, Coach?”
Mialee pulled out her planner, flipping to a blank page. “Alright, here’s my first goal: ‘By the end of the third week of school, I will have designed, distributed, and collected a survey to gather information about students’ cultural backgrounds, personal interests, and experiences, ensuring that 100% of students complete it.’”
Scottie nodded approvingly. “That’s solid. It’s all about really understanding and knowing who your students are. And it’s SMART, too.”
Mialee beamed. “Thanks! Now, let’s break it down into actionable steps: research survey ideas, design the survey, distribute both digital and paper versions, monitor completion, collect and organize responses, analyze the data, and use it to inform decisions.”
Malik leaned in, clearly intrigued. “Alright, my turn. Here’s mine: ‘By the end of the eighth week of school, I will have intentionally developed my cultural self-awareness by completing three reflective journal entries and participating in one cultural competence workshop or professional development session.’”
Mialee and Scottie exchanged impressed glances. Scottie teased, “Okay, Malik! You better be deep!”
Malik grinned. “Gotta keep growing. It’s crucial. How am I supposed to guide my students in developing their cultural awareness if I’m not doing the work to develop mine?”
“Exactly!” Mialee added, “And I love how you made it measurable with clear, quantifiable targets—three journal entries and participation in one workshop or PD session.”
Scottie sighed dramatically, then leaned in with a grin. “Alright, alright, let me get in on this. My goal is to ‘secure a commitment from 100% of my students’ families to attend the school-sponsored “Back to School Night” by one week before the event.’ I know, it’s ambitious, but family engagement is everything. I’m counting on building those relationships to tighten up my classroom culture—with fewer disruptions and more trust. That way, when I drop the ‘don’t make me call your mama and ruin your weekend’ line, it actually carries some weight.”
Mialee laughed, “I love it. It’s specific and measurable. And with the right steps—like personalized communication, follow-ups, and offering virtual options—you can definitely make it happen.”
Scottie grinned, “That’s what I like to hear. Give me all the action steps, sis!”
The three of them sat back, their minds buzzing with ideas and determination. They knew that the path to transforming their classrooms—and, by extension, the education system—wouldn’t be easy. But by setting these goals and committing to culturally relevant teaching, they took the first steps towards a brighter future for their students.
As they wrapped up their conversation, Malik raised his glass. “To the revolutionaries in the classroom. Let’s make this year count.”
Mialee and Scottie raised their glasses in agreement, each of them silently vowing to do whatever it took to turn their visions into reality.
Reflection Questions
- How can you apply the concept of SMART goals to your own classroom vision? What specific, measurable steps can you take to ensure your goals align with your vision for culturally relevant teaching?
- Reflect on the goals shared by Mialee, Malik, and Scottie. Which goal resonates most with you, and how could you adapt it to suit the needs of your students and classroom environment?
- Consider the importance of collaboration and feedback in achieving your goals. How can you create a support network with colleagues to refine your goals and hold each other accountable throughout the school year?
Tamera Malone 
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