Defining What Matters Most: Creating a Shared Vision for Middle School CTE

When it comes to transforming education, one of the most powerful steps a school can take is crafting a shared vision. Without it, initiatives risk becoming “just another program.” With it, Career and Technical Education (CTE) becomes a living, breathing part of a school’s culture — a compass that guides decisions, inspires action, and unites the community.

Why a Vision Matters

A vision isn’t just a slogan on a wall. It’s a collective belief about what students deserve and what we, as educators, are committed to delivering. Research shows that when schools intentionally co-create a vision, student outcomes improve. In fact, Leithwood and colleagues (2004) found that developing a shared vision is one of the most significant ways leaders influence learning.

For middle school CTE, this vision defines how career-connected learning prepares students not just for the future, but for success today. It clarifies:

• What we believe about student success

• Why CTE belongs in middle school

• What outcomes we want for every student by the end of 8th grade

• How we’ll ensure equity, access, and engagement along the way

How to Build the Vision Together

The process works best when it’s collaborative. Start by gathering your leadership team — teachers, counselors, administrators, families, students, and even industry partners. Invite them to share their hopes for what students will gain through CTE. Use questions like:

• What do we want our students to believe about their future when they leave middle school?

• How can we make sure every student feels seen, supported, and inspired?

From there, try structured strategies such as:

• The “What, Why, How” Method – Define what you want to achieve, why it matters, and how you’ll make it happen.

• Gallery Walks – Display draft ideas around the room and let team members add notes, questions, and refinements.

• Digital Collaboration Tools – Use shared documents or platforms to ensure all voices, even the quieter ones, are heard.

From Draft to Direction

Once a draft vision is in place, don’t rush to finalize it. Instead, pause to vet it through a wider lens. Share the statement with staff, students, and families, asking:

• What does this mean to you?

• What would this look like in action in our school?

This feedback helps ensure the vision isn’t just inspiring, but also practical and inclusive. A strong vision should be clear, free of jargon, equity-centered, and easy for everyone to understand, share, and act upon.

A Guiding Light for What Comes Next

A well-crafted CTE vision doesn’t just live in a binder or on a slide deck. It becomes the guiding light for everything that follows — from setting measurable goals, to defining roles, to planning timelines. When done well, it’s not just words on paper. It’s a shared promise that middle school will be a place where students explore, connect, and begin shaping their future.

Coming up next in this series: We’ll explore how to take your shared vision and translate it into SMART goals that drive progress, promote accountability, and keep everyone aligned.

Because a vision is only as powerful as the steps you take to bring it to life.