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Finding Your School’s Mission and Vision

A former principal explains how mission and vision statements differ and why creating them is crucial to a school’s success.

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Most first-year or veteran principals who are newly assigned to their school eventually must affirm the school’s existing mission and vision statements or engage stakeholders in a process of revising them. Sometimes, those statements incorporate and reflect district-wide beliefs, values, ideals, and goals.

When I was a new principal, I struggled with mission and vision statements. I didn’t understand the difference or how to utilize them. Regardless of what I might have learned about them in my preparatory classes, I was overwhelmed by day-to-day challenges. So as a result, any of the existing statements developed by the previous administration and posted throughout the school meant little to me.

That changed, however, when the parent of one of our school’s students with a disability, Billy (not his real name), stumped me one day with this question: “Why does this school exist?” Her son had intense needs. I had spoken with her numerous times but now wondered what had prompted the question. As we talked about why our school existed and what we hoped to achieve—for her son and everyone else—our discussion suddenly helped both of us form a much more meaningful concept of mission and vision. 

Our school’s mission (why we existed) was to teach.

Our vision, reflecting shared beliefs, values, and specific, purposeful goals, was the summation of desired outcomes we wanted, along with strategic plans to achieve them.

Billy’s mother eloquently stated, “I just want three things from this school. First, I want my son to learn the basic skills that he will need to get a job someday.” (As I listened, I was thinking to myself that I certainly wanted the same for my daughters.) “Two, I want him to develop good, appropriate social skills so that when he grows up and buys the house next to yours, you won’t want to move.” (I was really listening now.) “And third, I want him to learn to appreciate the finer things in life so that he doesn’t grow up to be a couch potato.” (Wow, she had clarified a vision for her son that any parent should want for their child.)

Missions and visions

The more I thought about it—then and since—the universal mission of every school is to teach. Academics, social skills, creative thinking, healthy living, good choices, and much more. We can embellish the concept of teaching with fancy words that signify academic achievement, physical growth, personal development, wisdom, virtues, transformations, etc., but it all boils down to this: The reason that schools exist is for teaching. Everyone is free to choose their own descriptive words of purpose, but I preferred succinct, easy-to-remember, and personalized wording. And Billy’s mom had helped me shape our mission and vision. 

As I discussed the mission with my staff, we rallied around the ideal that our primary focus was to teach—academics, behaviors, social skills, and aspirations in ways that were most timely, appropriate, individualized, and effective for every child. I helped my staff reflect on their practice and question themselves—if what they were doing didn’t teach, why were they doing it?

My advice for principals—regardless of the wording of your mission statement—is to understand these two basic concepts:

  • Your mission is why you exist.
  • Your vision is how you accomplish goals. 

Many vision and mission statements are closely related and often used interchangeably. When both are well conceived and meaningful, they can drive your school community’s focus. However, many are often not as effective as they could be. 

At my school, once we agreed that our purpose was to teach (mission), we turned our attention to fulfilling the beliefs, values, and goals embedded in what Billy’s mom had asked for her son (vision). The three visionary targets remained the same, regardless of where each child started.

Academics became more individualized with rigor while teaching the concept of grit. The development of a schoolwide code of conduct (focused on quality work, respect, safety, and kindness) resulted in more effective, personalized ways of teaching social skills and positive behaviors. And so that no student would become a couch potato, we infused the arts and extracurricular activities into every aspect of school that we could think of, teaching and coaching their meaning and value. 

I’m forever indebted to Billy’s mom. She helped me and my staff conceptualize, personalize, and solidify our thinking, define our “why” (mission), and teach to meet the needs of every student. Parents rallied together with me and my teachers around those three stated expectations (vision) from our school—so concise and clear that we have never forgotten them, and never will.

I hope every principal encounters someone like Billy’s mom. When you do, listen, collaborate closely, and learn. Together, you’ll develop the most meaningful awareness of why you do what you do.

How to Write School Mission and Vision Statements

A teacher working with their student in a 3D printing lab

Cultivating a sense of shared educational values, goals, and ideals for a school is one of the primary ways that leaders can inspire positive outcomes in their institutions. In fact, research shows that a positive school culture—defined as the collective values and beliefs of a school’s staff—can:

  • Increase attendance rates and academic achievement
  • Elevate school morale significantly
  • Improve staff wellbeing
  • Reduce aggressive behavior in students
  • Lessen teacher turnover

One way that educational leaders can establish and encourage a positive culture that benefits everyone on campus is by creating well-written school mission and vision statements. Such statements set the tone for staff and students alike, making the purpose of the school clear and inspiring everyone to join together in realizing it. Learning how to write school mission and vision statements is an important step for educators who want to lead their institutions to succeed.

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Why School Mission and Vision Statements Matter

Mission and vision statements help to set the course for a school. These statements communicate core educational values, speak to the culture of the institution, and provide faculty, staff, students, and community members with ideals to reach for in participation with the school. 

In addition to communicating what is important to a school, mission and vision statements can also be useful for creating unity on campus. A clear mission and vision statement communicate to everyone involved at the school what they are collectively aspiring to attain. When individuals share a purpose, they may be more likely to trust one another, engage in collaboration, and have a positive experience in the school setting. 

When it comes to teachers, in particular, mission and vision statements can be effective in a few ways. First, being aligned on a mission and vision can help prospective candidates and hirers determine if a teacher is a good fit for the school. Additionally, teachers—who are often overwhelmed and overworked—can look to their school’s mission or vision statement for guidance in prioritizing their tasks and setting their focus when many things call for their attention at once. Finally, teachers can benefit from strong school mission and vision statements when it comes to their relationships with fellow teachers as well as with students, as the common language and purpose of the statements provide common ground for those relationships. 

Students may experience several key benefits of school mission and vision statements, too. The Values Education Good Practice Schools Project found that well-written vision statements can improve student-teacher relationships. The project also discovered that students in schools with good vision statements that truly impacted the day-to-day culture of the school enjoyed more calm and focused class activities. Lastly, students were more empowered to develop self-regulation and self-management skills in schools with strong vision statements. 

What Are the Differences between Mission and Vision?

While school mission and vision statements have some overlap, there are a few key distinctions between the two. 

The primary difference between a mission statement and a vision statement is that a mission statement describes the school’s current and/or founding identity and the key values that characterize the school as it is in the present. A vision statement, on the other hand, looks forward to the future. Oftentimes, a mission statement will begin with a phrase like “[School name] is…” while a vision statement might begin with “[School name] will be known for…”

In other words, a mission statement is largely a definition of the school, answering questions like:

  • What is important to this school? 
  • How does this school seek to reach its objectives?
  • What are the fundamental traits, cultural influences, or beliefs of this school?

A vision statement, on the other hand, answers questions such ask:

  • What does this school aspire to accomplish in the years to come? 
  • What does the school want to become known for doing?
  • How would this school define future success?

While school mission and vision statements will likely arise from the same core values, they serve two different purposes. The mission statement speaks to the school’s operations in the present. The vision statement speaks to the school’s hopes and intentions for the future. 

Who Should Be Involved in Writing and Approving School Mission and Vision Statements? What Is the Process Like?

Experts agree that gathering insight from a diverse population can help create the best school mission and vision statements. By including various groups of people connected to the school—including teachers, students, administration, parents, and community members—education leaders can ensure that they are gathering as comprehensive of a perspective as possible. While it’s important to hear from a variety of people, education leaders should take care not to grow the group too large, as it could become difficult to find consensus or be productive.

Once a group has been established, discussion can begin. Educational values are a good place to start. Through data, anecdotes, and personal perspectives, group members can share their perceptions of the school’s current values or the values that should be prioritized. Identifying strengths and opportunities for growth can be insightful as well. 

From there, the group members can discuss what their hopes are for the future of the school. What outcomes might the school’s educational values help produce? What does the school want to be known for in 5, 10, or 20 years? What are the school’s current priorities, and how might they be reordered for greater success? 

Once a group has gathered, identified the school’s values, and discussed hopes for the future, then it is time to write the first draft. 

How to Write a Mission Statement

At this point in the process, it is likely that there could be several pages of notes filled with ideas, values, and hopes for the future that the group has produced. This is exactly what is needed in order to write a mission statement, but condensing the content into a succinct sentence or paragraph may feel daunting.

Reading the mission statements of other schools and organizations may be helpful at this stage. Consider, for example, the Marymount University mission statement:

Marymount is a comprehensive Catholic university, guided by the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, service to others, and a global perspective. A Marymount education is grounded in the liberal arts, promotes career preparation, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A student‐centered learning community that values diversity and focuses on the education of the whole person, Marymount guides the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development of each individual.

Notice that this mission statement fulfills several key objectives:

  • Communicates a value system (Catholic)
  • Sets priorities (intellectual curiosity, service, global perspective)
  • Establishes an educational framework (liberal arts)
  • Describes the community (student-centered, diverse, holistic)

At the elementary school level, a mission statement may read something like:

Our school fosters a love of lifelong learning by guiding each student to build foundational academic skills that will contribute to their ongoing success and by encouraging creative collaboration in an inclusive environment.

This statement makes clear that the school values the love of learning, basic skill development, and cultivating a positive community. 

How to Write a Vision Statement 

School vision statements should align with the values communicated in school mission statements, but they need to communicate forward thinking as well. The Marymount University vision statement reads:

Marymount, a leading Catholic university, will be nationally recognized for innovation and commitment to student success, alumni achievement, and faculty and staff excellence.

This statement:

  • Succinctly describes the school (a leading Catholic university)
  • Sets the scope for success (national) 
  • Establishes goals to attain (recognition in student success, alumni achievement, faculty and staff excellence) 

A high school vision statement may read something like:

Our school will develop critical thinkers who model an inclusive spirit and graduate prepared for success in a profession or higher education.

This statement communicates that critical thinking and inclusivity are prioritized educational values at the school and that employability and admission to college are the standards for success.

Lead in Education with Vision and Values

Do you want to develop a school mission statement that clearly communicates the educational values of the institution you lead? Are you interested in setting academic standards, establishing a campus culture, and doing the work to produce positive future outcomes as an education leader? If so, the Marymount University Online Doctorate in Education program can help you reach your professional goals.

Created for working professionals, Marymount’s flexible online Ed.D. allows students to personalize their coursework according to their vocational goals. Students in the program cite many personal benefits , including building relationships with fellow students and faculty members, honing their project completion skills, and improving their research abilities. 

Student Alexander Gagnet says, “What I love best about the program is the care and attention the faculty put into the success of all the students. You really feel wanted and appreciated for your hard work and effort.” 

Students also appreciate the way that the program allows them to meet their personal and professional obligations while in school. 

“Not to be ignored is the fact that the online program allows you to be who you are AND be a student,” explains Marie Gemelli-Carroll . “It is a key benefit to be able to do classwork on your own time as long as you meet the assigned deadlines.”

Are you ready to further your career by earning a doctorate in education? Marymount University’s online Ed.D. features a practical curriculum and is a top program choice that will prepare you to lead positive change in education. Click here to connect with an enrollment advisor . 

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Do You Know Your School’s Vision? Tips on Making a Meaningful Mission Statement

BRIC ARCHIVE

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Here’s a challenge for you: Without looking, write down the vision of your school or district. You may not be able to write it down verbatim, but can you at least identify and articulate the main points in your own words?

My principal and I gave this challenge to a group of educators at a conference last summer in a session we taught on how to make meaningful change in your own school. Of the approximately 200 educators from across the country who attended our session, less than 10 percent could confidently meet this challenge.

But what we found to be even more alarming was the general agreement that many of the official vision statements were relatively meaningless. They were full of broad and ambiguous statements that were great for hanging on the wall, but pretty ineffective in terms of motivating people to strive for a common goal of excellence. Here’s one such example: “To create 21st-century learners through the development and delivery of a diverse set of strategic teaching and learning strategies in a way that is targeted to enhance the individual growth pathway for each learner so that learning outcomes are maximized for the long-term benefit of the communities we serve.” While this type of vision statement might win an eduspeak award, it certainly doesn’t elicit inspiration and a common purpose.

If you spend time researching the fundamental ingredients of any successful organization, whether it’s a business, a nonprofit, or a school, one thing that immediately becomes apparent is a deeply ingrained shared vision. A few examples:

• Habitat for Humanity: “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” • Disney: “To make people happy.” • Google: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” • Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District (Ohio): “Preparing All Students for Success in A Global Economy (P.A.S.S.A.G.E.)”

Not only do each of these examples contain details about the future state the organization can have on the world, but each is also clear and concise enough that everyone in these organizations can use the statement to help focus their work on achieving that envisioned future state. Simply put, words have power. And a powerful vision statement is one that gives everyone in the organization a vivid sense of purpose in the work they do. This is why, in my view, any school or district that is really serious about changing the status quo for its students has to start with a thorough evaluation of its core beliefs and how those may be articulated in a clear mission and vision statement.

But as powerful as words may be, they will remain only words unless they embody the actions of every stakeholder who belongs to the learning community, especially the students. So my second challenge is for you to ask yourself the following question: Does your vision pass the red face test? In other words, if you gave your vision to an outside observer and asked her to tour your school for a day, could she identify examples that match the words in the statement to the actions of members of your learning community? Or would she come up blank, leaving you embarrassed with a red face?

If you pass this test, then you are indeed on the way to creating a culture of shared purpose—a culture where common goals and common language can be the catalyst that closes the gap between the current reality for the school and the future state all stakeholders desire.

If you spend time researching the fundamental ingredients of any successful organization, one thing that immediately becomes apparent is a deeply ingrained shared vision."

I believe organizations that fail to recognize the essential nature of a shared vision are doomed to remain stuck in the status quo. Leaders of such organizations may try to demand excellence through policy, procedures, or mandates, but unless there is an inherent buy-in throughout all aspects of the organization, such excellence will be fleeting. Think of an example of a top-down mandate that, while well intentioned, was ultimately ineffective. Whether originating from the government, district leadership, or a school administrator, imposing one-size-fits-all conditions on an organization often ignores the true capacity of that organization: its people.

Simply put, excellence comes not from silver bullets, but from sharing a passion for a common goal and taking advantage of the ideas and input of the people doing the work to achieve that common goal. Schools that have successfully embarked on journeys toward educational excellence are the ones that have smartly aligned all stakeholders —parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and students—to a shared purpose and then relentlessly enabled conditions for open, candid collaboration to drive innovation.

In the book Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation , the authors state that purpose is often misunderstood. They write, “It’s not what a group does, but why it does what it does … the question every group should ask itself: If we disappeared today, how would the world be different tomorrow?” If we enable educators to truly find their purpose in the work they do—i.e. their True North —with structures that help them connect that purpose with a larger organization-wide goal, then we have created a potent tool for driving innovative change that our students and communities deserve.

While it may be a naive oversimplification, I honestly believe that a shared vision is the primary ingredient in the secret sauce to drive innovation in our schools. If what you do is clearly aligned with your inner purpose, then you will be passionate about the work you do. You will eagerly collaborate with others, you will find ways to share ideas and resources to help yourself and others reach your common goals, and you will have a relentless focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

What if this common purpose, articulated in a genuine shared vision, was the ethos of every school? I believe it can be. Who’s up for the challenge?

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79 Examples of School Vision and Mission Statements

school vision and mission statements

School vision statements outline a school’s values and objectives. They provide parents and the community a brief but clear overview of the overall ethos of the school. On the other hand, school mission statements explain what the school is currently doing to achieve its vision. Schools need both vision and mission statements to show their community what their values and beliefs are.

Importance of Vision and Mission Statements in Schools

Statements of a school’s vision and mission are important for keeping a school focused on its core purpose. The statements can act as a guiding north star for school administrators who aim to make decisions that live up to the statements. They are also important because they are documents that parents use to see whether the school meets their family’s values.

Common Words in Vision Statements

The most common words in school vision and mission statements are:

Read below for our full list of the best school statements from around the web.

Related Post: A List of Education Slogans and Mottoes

Best Preschool Mission & Vision Statements

  • We foster our students’ love for learning, encourage them to try new and exciting things, and give them a solid foundation to build on.
  • Our vision is to develop well rounded, confident and responsible individuals who aspire to achieve their full potential. We will do this by providing a welcoming, happy, safe, and supportive learning environment in which everyone is equal and all achievements are celebrated.
  • We believe that a happy child is a successful one. We are committed to providing a positive, safe and stimulating environment for children to learn, where all are valued. We intend that all children should enjoy their learning, achieve their potential and become independent life-long learners.
  • Our early learning center exists to provide a safe, developmentally, inclusive environment for toddlers, preschool, kindergarten and school age children.
Our focus is to provide a stimulating early learning and child care experience which promotes each child’s social/emotional, physical and cognitive development.
  • Our goal is to support and nurture the children’s and our own natural desire to be life-long learners. We are committed to the families we serve, providing support and encouragement.
  • Our Vision is a community where all children feel loved, respected and encouraged to develop to their fullest potential.
  • Our Mission is to provide high quality education and childcare in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment that builds a foundation for life-long learning.
  • We aim to provide a safe learning environment with a welcoming atmosphere which creates a sense of belonging amongst the families. We maintain an inclusive environment which acknowledges and respects children from diverse family and cultural backgrounds.
Our Kindergarten provides a safe, developmentally appropriate, nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth, as well as a positive self-image and a love of learning. T
  • Our goal is to build skills that set children up for success in kindergarten and beyond.
  • Our vision is for each child to develop a curiosity of learning, discover their interests and grow in their love of learning. We also desire to have strong families through parent support/fellowship and skills training.
  • We aim to offer a safe, happy place where everyone is known and valued, and where differing needs are acknowledged, accepted and met
  • We aim to encourage each child to be independent and develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and respect for others in the environment
Our mission is to lead and support the early learning community in building the best foundation for children birth to five.
  • Our Kindergarten aims to provide a meaningful child centered, play based curriculum that builds life skills, independence, confidence and resilience to support each child in achieving their potential and to make a smooth transition to school and society itself.
  • Our mission is to work together to build a safe, respectful and nurturing environment focused on maximizing each child’s sense of wellbeing and acquisition of skills for life and learning.
  • Our mission is to provide exceptional care to children while fostering each child’s intellectual, social, physical and moral development in an academic-rich environment.

Related Post: 5 Early Childhood Philosophies Compared

Best Primary and Elementary School Vision & Mission Statements

  • Our goal as a school is to equip our young people with the skills and mindset to thrive and then take on the world.
  • We foster an enthusiastic, creative community of learners prepared to continue their intellectual, emotional, and physical development.
  • To educate all students to the highest levels of academic achievement , to enable them to reach and expand their potential, and to prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.
Our vision is to prepare young women to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the world.
  • We strive to consciously create an environment of respect and inclusion and to support ethnic, racial, religious and socio-economic diversity among all the constituencies of the school.
  • We strive to support this environment by building a more inclusive curriculum, addressing a range of learning styles, offering a wide array of diversity efforts and programs, and by participating in the wider community.
  • Our school empowers all students to embrace learning, achieve their personal best and build their emotional, social and physical well-being.
Our vision is to empower students to acquire, demonstrate, articulate and value knowledge and skills that will support them, as life-long learners, to participate in and contribute to the global world and practise the core values of the school : respect, tolerance & inclusion, and excellence.
  • We believe that education should take place in a fully inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all and that all children should learn to value religious and cultural differences. Our school strives to be at the centre of the local community with positive and effective links to the wider and global communities.
  • Our statement “DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE” reflects our understanding and beliefs. We aim to ensure that the children at our school are provided with high-quality learning experiences based on a broad and balanced curriculum.

Related Post: Childcare Mission Statement Examples

Best High School Mission & Vision Statements

  • Our vision is to forge strong, positive connections with students so they can achieve independence, build confidence, and gain academic knowledge.
  • We aim to develop well-rounded and thoughtful students prepared to cope with a changing post-modern and globalized world.
We strive to provide our graduates with an academic foundation that will enable them to gain admission to the colleges or universities of their choice as well as to succeed in those institutions.
  • We are committed to recognizing the importance of communication and to encouraging dialogue among all constituencies; to promoting intellectual and social growth and development within the school community; to providing a safe, supportive setting so that students have the opportunity to explore and to clarify their own beliefs and values, to take risks, and to think and speak for themselves; and to recognizing and responding to individual and institutional prejudices, both overt and subtle, based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, and physical and mental ability.
  • Our vision is to prepare and motivate our students for a rapidly changing world by instilling in them critical thinking skills , a global perspective, and a respect for core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and compassion. Students will have success for today and be prepared for tomorrow.
  • Our mission is to provide a safe haven where everyone is valued and respected. All staff members, in partnership with parents and families are fully committed to students’ college and career readiness. Students are empowered to meet current and future challenges to develop social awareness, civic responsibility, and personal growth.
We are dedicated to a continuing tradition of excellence in an ever-changing world. Within a safe and supportive environment, we provide a relevant, high-quality education and prepare our diverse student body for future endeavors. We honor achievement and promote pride in ourselves, in our school, and in our community.
  • We strive to prepare all students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens ready to meet the challenges of the future. In partnership with families and community, our goal is to create relevant learning opportunities for students — both inside and outside the classroom — that help them develop the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and character necessary to succeed in a technologically advanced world.
  • Our High School is a student-centered organization delivering excellence in education. Our team is committed to our students, our communities, and each other. We believe that our cohesion and morale help us to achieve excellence in our school. Our commitment to our students and our dedication to impacting their education through innovative methods makes us unique.
  • Graduates will be motivated life-long learners and productive global citizens.
Cultivating excellence in every student.
  • Our school’s vision is to provide student-centered educational programs that challenge all students to perform at their highest potential.
  • Our school prepares students for success in the 21st century by engaging them in rigorous and relevant learning opportunities that promote academic, physical, and emotional growth.
  • Our school creates a pathway to assist students in achieving their educational and personal goals leading to a fulfilling future within the greater community.
Our school will continue to create a safe, effective learning environment that enables each individual to reach his or her greatest potential through ample opportunities to excel.
  • Our school will foster an environment to nurture individuals academically, socially, and emotionally so that they are equipped to tackle academic challenges and become productive members of society.

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Best Christian School Vision & Mission Statements

  • Our Christian School believes that each child is a treasure, bearing God’s image. We seek to partner with Christian families who are committed to our vision and mission.
  • Vision is the insight God provides to instruct and direct the path of an organization. Our Vision Statement is as follows: Our school will be known as a diverse Christian community which, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, provides families with Christ-centred education through dynamic programming, dedicated professional staff, in facilities most conducive to learning, in order to develop responsible servants in God’s world.
  • Our Mission is as follows: To provide a Christ-centered, high quality education and to work in unison with the home and local church to nurture our students’ intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical growth to prepare them for responsible service in the kingdom of God.
It is the vision of Our Christian Academy to engage students in a quality Christ-centered education that equips and challenges them to reach their unique potential spiritually, academically, socially, and physically.
  • We endeavor to foster a nurturing, mutually supportive school community of students who enthusiastically pursue learning and Christian character, parents who wholeheartedly support the school’s mission, Bible believing churches who actively reinforce a biblical worldview, and qualified, caring Christian faculty and staff who sacrificially invest in the lives of students.
  • To engage and educate young people to know Christ and be equipped to impact the world for God’s Kingdom.
  • To capture and equip the hearts, minds and energies of young people for the sake of knowing Christ, and unleash them to engage the world they live in and make an impact in it according to God’s principles and power.
The mission of our Christian School is to transform this generation through sound academic education with a distinct Christian worldview. We are committed to transferring our passion for serving Christ to our students for their benefit and for the glory of God.
  • The vision of our Christian School is to provide a comprehensive educational facility that will accommodate a life-developing curriculum and graduate students who express a passionate faith, a biblical world view philosophy and are practitioners of true Christianity.
  • Our Christian School seeks to provide an excellent educational experience from a biblical worldview in order to produce the next generation of well-rounded servant leaders.
  • Our Christian School will be a compassionate community where knowledge is pursued with excellence, where faith is rooted in Christ, and where character is exemplified through service. We are dedicated to creating a caring and nurturing environment, producing life-long learners, creating disciples of Christ, and enriching students’ lives.
Our Christian School is a loving community that spiritually and academically equips, challenges, and inspires students to impact their world for Christ.
  • Our Christian School will be grounded in God’s Word and challenged to achieve academic excellence as they prepare to use their gifts and abilities effectively to follow God’s plan for their lives.
  • Our Christian Academy works together with parents and their local church to provide a Christ-centered spiritual, academic, and physical foundation. Our goal is a nurturing environment that produces godly citizens who will be a transforming influence in the world.
  • To form a partnership with believing parents in order to establish their children with a total biblical worldview.
To help train up a generation of godly leaders who love learning and are sought after for their wisdom.
  • To prepare students spiritually, academically, and in accordance with their God-given potential, enabling them to handle the rigors of life with courage.
  • Our mission is to build a Christ-centered school to equip students to be Christ-honoring critical thinkers, clear communicators, and compassionate leaders, through the pursuit of academic excellence, in the tradition of classical Christian education.
  • Our vision is be recognized as the leading Christian School in the Kansas City area, preparing students for a love of learning and service, to the glory of God.

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Best College and University Vision & Mission Statements

  • Our university aspires to be a national leader in developing educated contributors, career-ready learners, and global citizens, and in generating meaningful, high-impact scholarship.
  • Pursuing enlightenment and creativity.
  • To create a transformative educational experience for students focused on deep disciplinary knowledge; problem solving; leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; and personal health and well-being.
Learning. Discovery. Engagement.
  • The university aspires to be known for its excellence in teaching, intensive research, effective public service and community engagement. The university prepares diverse and competitive graduates for success in a global, interdependent society.
  • We aspire to be the exemplary comprehensive research university for the 21st century.
  • To impact society in a transformative way — regionally, nationally, and globally — by engaging with partners outside the traditional borders of the university campus.
To contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
  • To educate the citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. We do this through our commitment to the transformative power of a liberal arts and sciences education.
  • We will have a transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship
  • Educating students to the benefit of all.
  • To recruit and develop the world’s most promising students and most outstanding staff and be a truly global university benefiting society as a whole.
The University will become a national leader in collaborative career-focused liberal arts education and will equip its graduates to visualize and achieve excellence in a dynamic global community.
  • To be dedicated to the advancement of learning and ennoblement of life.
  • To promote learning by engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought, and generating knowledge. Our active partnerships with local and global communities contribute to a sustainable common good .
  • We will continue to frame and solve the greatest challenges of the future.

Read More University Mission Statement Examples Here.

Vision and mission statements tend to explore themes that are important to a school’s community. They also focus on the age of students. Preschool vision statements tend to explore themes of safety, development and love. High School vision statements are about preparing students for the world. Universities tend to focus on inspiring future leaders.

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Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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Wow, Very interesting and achievable visions and missions.

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I am highlighting a few statements and citing your website in my book, The Technology-ready School Administrator, for publication in January, 2024. Thanks for wonderful information.

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Thank you for your insightful words.

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Vision, Mission and Philosophy Statements

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Vision Statement

UCLA Early Care and Education inspires the next generation of life-long learners by providing:

  • High-quality, developmentally-appropriate education and care for young children;
  • A program focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion for families and staff;
  • A work environment that nurtures, values and inspires our professional staff;
  • Service to families and the University community;
  • Research-focused sites of learning for the field of education.

UCLA ECE provides care and education for children and an essential service to families by focusing on research and quality.

Mission Statement

The UCLA Early Care and Education programs provide quality child care, support families and share information and resources with the community to make a positive difference in the lives of children, in support of the teaching, research and community service mission of the University.

Philosophy Statement

We believe that early learning is relationship-based. Our fundamental goal is to establish trusting relationships among children, teachers and parents. Carefully constructed early education experiences promote exploration, critical thinking, cooperative play and the development of mutual respect.

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mission statement vs vision statement in education

The Beginner’s Guide to Vision and Mission Statements

Running a successful business involves careful planning and focus. Part of the process includes setting goals and determining a clear-cut purpose.

Two elements critical in defining your business objectives are your vision statement and mission statement. These documents state and summarize your short-term and long-term goals, which is also why the lines get blurry with them. 

Each statement serves a different purpose: a mission statement describes what a company wants to do now ; a vision statement outlines what it wants to do in the future .

Let’s dive deeper into vision and mission statements to understand why they’re crucial for your business and discuss how you can create these documents for your own business.

What is a Vision Statement?

A vision statement is a brief, clear, and definitive description of a company‘s aspirations and the kind of impact it aims to create. Think of it as a guiding beacon that tells people within the organization what the business wants to accomplish and what will happen once they achieve that vision. 

It helps facilitate internal decision-making and determines the intended direction of the organization. You can also use it to describe the future of the business while simultaneously emphasizing its overall purpose.

To put things into perspective, a vision statement tells you what you want to become and then gives you a sense of direction to achieve it. 

  • What are your hopes and dreams and goals for your business?
  • Are there any problems your business can solve for the greater good?
  • What kind of change are you trying to bring?

As you may have realized, vision statements are future-oriented. But because it has a direct and transcendent nature, they are written in the present tense. It tries to encapsulate the strategic goals for a company and informs everyone what the company values most.

What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement explains an organization’s core objectives, values, and aims concisely and descriptively. It’s a declaration that defines the daily activities of an organization and how every person working within it will contribute to that overall mission.

The primary purpose of a mission statement is to drive a company toward its goals. In addition to outlining what you do and the core components of your business, it tries to clarify objectives and how you can fulfill them. The idea here is to motivate and inspire a team to consistently advance toward a common goal.

Consider the following questions when writing your mission statement:

  • What do you do?
  • Who do you do it for?
  • How do you serve them?

A mission statement is affirmative, so they typically start with “We provide…” or “We offer…“. You can also use it as a performance standard to help employees make better decisions.

The Basics of Vision and Mission Statements

This section will detail the basics—differences, similarities, and other nuances—of vision and mission statements. Knowing this will help you better understand what goes into making a good vision and mission statement.

Vision Statement vs. Mission Statement

Vision and mission statements are essential documents with different objectives.

A vision statement outlines what you want to become and how you want to impact society and its people. Whereas a mission statement is more present-focused and summarizes the primary goals, purposes, and values of an organization.

Put simply, a mission statement speaks to today, while a vision statement speaks to the future. Let’s take a look at Google‘s vision and mission statements to highlight this difference.

The company‘s vision statement is: “ To provide access to the world’s information in one click. ” 

Despite being short and to the point, Google effectively puts forward its ambitious long-term aspiration to provide people with the world’s information as quickly and efficiently as possible (“in one click”).

On the other hand, Google’s mission statement is: “ To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. ” 

This statement aims to guide the company’s daily operations and inform everyone that Google’s primary job is to organize information to make it accessible and useful. Notice how it also complements the vision statement.

As you can see, while the vision statement is aspirational and more focused on the “why,” the mission statement is actionable and outlines the “what” and “how.” That’s how the documents differ from each other.

Collaborative Working 

Companies need vision and mission statements to define their purpose and stand out from their competitors. But before they develop them, they must know and be able to articulate their long-term and short-term objectives.

Both documents work together to keep a company focused on meeting pre-established goals and play a significant role in strategic planning. 

Every component of a vision and mission statement encourages involved parties to take productive efforts to boost efficiency while simultaneously aligning them to work toward achieving the same purpose. They also help attract the right talent, create an appropriate work culture, and increase productivity levels to achieve success.

On the contrary, a poorly written vision and mission statement present various challenges and setbacks. It’s because they lack detailed insights that are otherwise necessary to guide employees during operations and decision-making. 

Drafting A Vision Statement

As a vision statement is your end goal, you must clearly lay out your vision of the future you’re trying to build. It’s also why it makes sense to write your vision statement before your mission statement.

To write a vision statement, start by revisiting the different components of your business or marketing plan, including your elevator pitch, business goals, company values, SWOT analysis, business story, and brand identity.

Once you have it all together, distill everything into one sentence to create the vision statement and show the world what your company is working toward. 

Fitting everything in a single line is going to be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. A good way to start is by answering the following questions:

  • What is the ultimate purpose of your business?
  • What kind of problems do you want to solve through your product or service?
  • How does your business aim to make the world better?
  • How would you describe your hopes and dreams for the business’s impact?
  • What change do you inspire to bring?

Next, work on distilling your answers down to the essentials. Remember, use clear language and concrete wording—similar to an elevator pitch.

The thought process is similar when writing a mission statement.

Drafting A Mission Statement

A mission statement is the core of all your operations that lists everything you must do to reach your vision—which you established in your vision statement. When done right, this document can become the driving force for your company, giving your team a common goal.

Essentially, your mission statement should define your plan of attack, drawing the route to your destination. To do this, consider the following:

  • What conditions must be met to make your vision a reality?
  • What do you have to do in your day-to-day to fulfill those conditions?
  • Who do you serve, and how do you do it?
  • How does your business help to make your vision real for your customers?

If you find it difficult to answer these questions, go through your target audience and buyer personas, buying cycle, and so on. Once that’s done, condense all your answers down into a single strong statement.

Again, cut out any jargon and use simple, meaningful language. The mission statement should be one to three sentences maximum, and never more than 100 words. Ideally, the shorter the better.

3 Tools to Improve Your Vision and Mission Statement

Since vision and mission statements answer crucial questions—why, how, and what—these documents are also a crucial component of your business plan. Read on as we discuss some of the best tools you can use to improve these documents.

Market and Vision Statement Templates

The internet is filled with vision and mission worksheet templates. All you need to do is answer various questions to discover details related to your business and then structure the answers to create the documents.

Take a look at Smartsheet’s mission statement template, for instance. It has two columns that explain what you need to consider and then an empty column to jot down answers—pretty straightforward, making it easier for you to create an effective one.

Smartsheet's mission statement template example.

Vision and Mission Statement Generators

Vision and mission statement generators are tools designed to provide you with the necessary assistance to write good statements. However, most of them can’t produce truly useful statements because they don’t have the relevant information.

HoneyBook generator is one such tool.

HoneyBook generator vision and mission statement generator tool page.

While they cannot capture the true essence of how unique your vision and mission statement should be, they aren’t entirely useless. You can use these generators to get a better understanding of the tone and wording of these documents. Plus, use it for inspiration to get out of your head and see some new ideas that may spark something for you.

Business Plan Services

Remember how we mentioned a vision statement and mission statement are a vital part of a business plan? This is why online business plan services like LivePlan and Bizplan offer services to write these documents.

LivePlan online business services example and page.

These services are similar to business plan software. The only difference is that they offer business and legal specialists who can help you gain a better understanding of the more complex aspects of your business, which, in turn, will make it easier for you to draft your vision and mission statements.

5 Tricks for Writing a Good Vision and Mission Statement

Let’s take a look at a few vision and mission statements best practices to help you create amazing ones for your business.

Clearly Define Your Future

Set up a meeting with your team and ask everyone to define the perfect state of being for your organization—why the company exists and its purpose. Write it down and find words that truly articulate your future goals and plans.

Remain in Sync

Ensure your vision and mission statements are in sync and connected by using words that resonate with your employees as well as third parties. It’s best to write your vision statement first and then use it as a guide when writing your mission statement.

Make Them Memorable and Achievable

Your vision and mission should be a stretch but always within reach. Draft them in a way that makes them to the point and easy to remember. Try to think of something that gives the reader goosebumps and encourages them to take immediate action without making them sound impossible or fanciful.

Align Them With Your Goals

Although this goes without saying, make sure you write statements that align with your goals. Whenever you change your goals and objectives, revisit your vision and mission and make the necessary changes. You may find yourself tweaking your mission statement more often than your vision statement.

Think About the Future 

Imagining your future five or ten years down the line is particularly important for your vision statement. But knowing your end goal will also help you draft a better mission statement to outline what steps you should take immediately to get there. 

We highly recommend conducting a gap analysis to compare current performance to desired performance. The end result will give you a better understanding of how or where your organization is struggling—and where there are opportunities to grow.

What to Do Next

After writing your vision and mission statement, your next step should focus on developing specific objectives to help you achieve your mission and vision. These objectives include specific measurable results, fulfilling which will help you accomplish your broad goals.

Create an action plan or a business plan that details how you plan on implementing the strategies and what actionable steps you’ll take to bring about changes in all the relevant sectors.

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Mission vs. vision statements: definitions & examples

The lowdown on mission and vision statements (with definitions and examples)

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What are mission and vision statements? A mission statement defines the organization’s business, its objectives, and how it will reach these objectives. A vision statement details where the organization aspires to go. Why does your company exist? What do you hope to accomplish in the next several years?

On the surface, those questions seem pretty straightforward. But if you’ve ever had to respond with something concise and powerful, you know that it’s way more challenging than it seems.

This is where your mission and vision statements come in. To craft them, you need to put in the work to understand what your company is all about, as well as where you’re headed in the future.

And once you’ve invested the elbow grease to do so, you’ll be prepared to respond to questions about your reason for being with something impressive – rather than silence and a deadpan expression.

So, let’s dig into everything you need to know about mission and vision statements, shall we?

Mission statements vs. vision statements

Sometimes the terms “mission statement” and “vision statement” are used interchangeably or even combined into a single statement.

But they mean two very different things. Your mission statement is what your company is doing right now, while your vision statement is what you hope to achieve in the future – where you are in this moment versus where you’re going. 

Let’s bring this home: if someone asks you, “So, what do you do?” you might say, “I’m a software developer at a mid-size software company” or “I’m a circus clown.”

But, what if they asked you, “What do you want to be doing five or 10 years from now?” Your answer might be a bit different, right?

Maybe you’d say, “My goal is to move into a management position where I oversee all of the company’s developers” or “Ultimately, I’d like to be a world-famous clown and the choice entertainer at birthday parties for celebrities’ kids.”

Mission statement examples

We’ve put together a mini list of inspiration to help you get started. Below are some winning mission statements from a few well-known companies. We know it’s tempting, but no, you cannot copy them. 

sweetgreen : “Our mission is to inspire healthier communities by connecting people to real food.”

Nike : “Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.” 

Etsy : “Our mission is to Keep Commerce Human.” 

LinkedIn : “Connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”

How to write a mission statement

Alright, now the real work begins: rolling up your sleeves and pulling together your own mission statement.

Let’s mention one more thing about what a mission is not – a slogan. A slogan (think “Just do it” or “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there”) is a catchy marketing line that customers can immediately associate with a brand. Your mission statement is more than that. It captures the heart of your organization and explains why you do what you do and why you exist in the first place. 

A solid mission statement calls for you to dig deep, beyond just “Do a good job” or “Delight our customers”, which can make writing your mission statement tough. Fortunately, we’ve broken it down into three (kind of) easy steps.

1. Start with the basics

Mission statements run the gamut from one sentence to several paragraphs, and there’s a lot that they can include. Some mission statements even go into detail about how a company not only serves their customers, but also their employees and communities.

But, let’s just keep this simple for now. In its most basic form, your mission statement should capture: 

  • What your company offers your customers (why do you exist?)
  • Who your company serves (who are your target customers?)
  • Why your company stands out (what makes you different from your competitors?)

Grab your favorite pen (we know you have one!) and a notepad and write a short (just a single sentence fragment will work) response to each of those prompts.

For example, imagine that you work for a software company that developed an app that uses highly tailored personality tests to match candidates with dream jobs. You might come up with something like this: 

  • What your company offers your customers An easy solution to finding a dream job
  • Who your company serves Young professionals who feel lost about their next career steps
  • Why your company stands out Your personality assessments are patented and highly rated

Got your own answers scribbled down? Great! Let’s move to the next step.

2. Piece it together

You have the nuts and bolts of your mission statement figured out, but, let’s be honest, it’s still a hot mess. It’s time to tape them together into a more readable statement.

Begin rearranging the pieces, swapping in different words, and making other changes to come up with a few potential statements. 

Don’t feel like you’re married to the very first version you come up with. It’s all about trial and error here. Plus, the more options you come up with, the more flexibility you have to land on something that sings. 

Sticking with our personality test company example, you might develop these potential mission statements: 

  • Helping young professionals find careers where they can thrive with patented and effective personality assessments.
  • Growing tomorrow’s leaders through targeted personality assessments that match young professionals with careers.
  • Forging career pathways for today’s professionals through effective personality assessments.
  • Using patented and customized personality assessments to help young professionals find their perfect careers. 

They’re all pretty solid choices, right? Don’t worry. The next step will help us narrow these down.

3. Collect feedback and refine

Your mission statement captures your company as a whole, which means you can’t write it in a vacuum. Make sure it really does your organization justice by welcoming other viewpoints in the process. 

Collect feedback from your teammates, leaders, board of directors, and loyal customers. You can gather their thoughts through a formal survey, focus groups, or just casual one-on-one chats. 

Pull together all of the mission statements that you came up with (that you think are good options, of course), and ask questions like:

  • Which of these statements do you like the most? Why?
  • Which of these statements do you like the least? Why?
  • Is there anything that you think these statements are missing?
  • Do you have any other ideas for mission statements?

The trick here is that you can’t just collect that feedback – you should actually think about and work with it.  

Imagine that in response to the personality test mission statement options, most people agreed that they wanted to see something shorter and snappier. You take that in and end up with a final mission statement like this:

Building better careers through customized personality assessments.

Bam! You have your mission statement. It seems easy peasy laid out like this, right? But don’t fret if it’s not done in a snap for you. 

It might take some time and many rounds of revisions to nail it. That’s totally normal. Take it as a sign that you’re giving your mission statement the effort and consideration it deserves. 

Vision statement examples

Forecasting the future of your company – and with such bravado – makes creating a vision statement a strange (and somewhat braggy and therefore slightly uncomfortable) task. But, seriously, that’s what a vision is all about. See below for examples of companies who have taken this task and owned it.

Habitat for Humanity : “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” 

Ford : “To become the world’s most trusted company.”

Ben & Jerry’s : “We make the best possible ice cream in the best possible way.” 

Dow : “We want to become the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive, and sustainable materials science company in the world. Our goal is to deliver value growth and best-in-class performance.”

You’ll notice that nonprofits tend to describe an ideal world while for-profit companies describe their place in an ideal world.

How to write a vision statement

You probably don’t have a crystal ball that will help you foresee the future of your company (although, if you do, are you willing to share?). 

So, coming up with your vision statement can be a challenge for someone without psychic abilities, since it makes you think super big. Zoom out and ask yourself, “What’s the ultimate purpose I’m serving?”

Have no fear, we’ve boiled this vital project into three approachable steps.

1. Define your end game

Start by understanding why your product or service matters. What does it help people do? How does it better their lives? 

Think about our career personality test example for a moment. What’s the end result there? Nope, it’s not the app itself. The ultimate result (and value!) is a match with a career that seems like a perfect fit.

Think of it this way: Your company is the road on which your customers are running a race. Once they cross the finish line, what do they get? This can help you see how what you’re doing makes a difference for your customers, your community, or even the world.

2. Pinpoint when you know you’ve made it

When you look five or 10 years down the road (let’s stop there for now), what fills out your win column? Jot down everything that comes to mind. 

Turning back to our personality test scenario, do you want to become the world’s most trusted resource for career exploration? Do you want to create a world where nobody hates their jobs? Do you want every person to have confidence in their next career step?

Remember, this is your chance to be ambitious and be bold, so don’t be timid. Find your swagger and go big!

3. Pull together your vision

Ok, you’re almost there. You have two elements locked down: 

  • What you ultimately produce and why it matters
  • How you’ll know when you’re successful

Now, similarly to what you did with your mission statement, it’s time to start piecing them together using different combinations and wording to see what you come up with. 

Sticking with our running career test example, your vision statement could be any one of the following (among many other gazillion options you come up with, of course).

  • Position ourselves as the most trusted partner in career exploration.
  • Build a world where absolutely nobody dreads heading to work.
  • Create a career landscape where Monday is just as great as Friday.

Again, this is a game of trial and error until you’re happy with a near-final product that you can run by other people for feedback.

At the end of that, you’ll have a vision statement that sums up your goals for the future of your organization.

Purpose of vision and mission statements

We won’t be offended if you’re wondering, “What’s the point of all this?”

Trust us: creating these statements is worth the sweat. They’re far more than formalities and really can be useful for your organization.

Your mission statement highlights your company’s core values and helps everybody – from your customers to your employees – immediately understand what your business is about and how you’re different from your competitors.

Your vision statement serves as a roadmap of sorts. It’s an inspiring reminder of what you’re working toward, which is easy to lose sight of when you’re bombarded with the day to day.

But here’s the thing: you can’t stop at just creating them. In order for them to do their job, you need to actively promote and live them. 

That doesn’t just mean slapping them up on your website or printing them on a poster that hangs in your break room. You need to integrate them as core parts of your culture by always acting and making decisions with those statements in mind.

Plus, you need to educate your employees about what your mission and vision are, and what they really mean. One survey found that a whopping 61% of employees didn’t know their company’s mission statement. You can’t really expect your team to help you achieve your mission and vision if they don’t know what they are.

So, give new employees the message on day one. Make your company mission and vision part of the onboarding process for new hires, and return to these statements whenever you’re launching new projects, problem-solving, brainstorming, or making big decisions.

Do that, and your mission and vision statements won’t be a formality. They’ll be fundamental to the way you do business.

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Vision Statement

A  vision statement , or simply a  vision , is a public declaration that schools or other educational organizations use to describe their high-level goals for the future—what they hope to achieve if they successfully fulfill their organizational purpose or mission. A vision statement may describe a school’s loftiest ideals, its core organizational values, its long-term objectives, or what it hopes its students will learn or be capable of doing after graduating.

The term  vision statement  is often used interchangeably with  mission statement . While some educators and schools may loosely define the two terms, or even blur the traditional lines that have separated them, there appears to be general agreement in the education community on the major distinctions between a “vision” and a “mission.” Generally speaking, a vision statement expresses a hoped-for future reality, while a mission statement declares the practical commitments and actions that a school believes are needed to achieve its vision. While a vision statement describes the end goal—the change sought by a school—a mission statement may describe its broad academic and operational assurances, as well as its commitment to its students and community.

For a more detailed discussion, see  mission and vision .

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mission statement vs vision statement in education

How Vision Differs From Goal, Mission, Purpose and Objective

If you’ve taken a look at the ‘About Us’ webpage of an organization, you’ve probably come across the vision, mission…

How Vision Differs From Goal, Mission, Purpose And Objective

If you’ve taken a look at the ‘About Us’ webpage of an organization, you’ve probably come across the vision, mission statement, purpose and goals. At first glance, it seems confusing, doesn’t it? Many of us use the terms interchangeably. Although they may seem like the same thing, there is a fundamental difference among them.

Let’s see how an organization’s vision, mission, purpose, objectives and goals differ from each other.

Navigating The Core Difference

Never confuse the vision statement again, a personal vision statement.

Before we fast forward to the differences between the various terms, let’s see what each of those terms mean.

What Is Vision?

A vision helps paint a mental image of how you want to see your organization in the future. It acts as a North Star, directing you to your goal. You can picture what the organization needs to do, to be successful in the future. Your vision statement should include what you want to achieve, what targets you want to drive and the measurable impact you’d like to make. For example, empower and streamline women’s economic activities.

What Is A Mission Statement?

Your mission statement describes what you and your organization should do to fulfill your vision. It helps you focus on what really matters as you’re directed toward your vision and purpose. The mission addresses the very reason for your organization’s existence and how it can change the business landscape. For example, create economic opportunities for women across various socio-economic levels and age groups.

What Is A Purpose?

A purpose articulates your organization’s cause—why it exists and how it can make a difference. A purpose guides you in defining your mission and vision statements. It also unifies employees and provides direction to drive an organization’s objectives. For example, to impact women’s lives by creating opportunities for growth and development.

What Are Goals?

Goals are broad and long-term milestones that you need to achieve to fulfill your ‘vision’. They also define the success of your mission statement. For example, increase the number of vocational courses and skill-training programs across the country.

What Are Objectives?

Objectives are targets that are realistic, specific and measurable. They help you achieve your goals over a certain period of time. You set objectives to ensure that your actions are directed toward your overall goals. For example, increase enrollment of women by 15% in vocational courses and skill-training programs by 2022.

A vision is a brief but powerful statement that acts as a driving force for motivation and achievement in an organization. It inspires everyone to commit, persevere and give their best. But there are several organizations out there that confuse visions with mission, purpose, goals and objectives. Listed below are the key differences between the various terms.

Vision Vs. Mission

A vision statement provides a futuristic mental image of an organization while a mission statement describes its objectives and approach to fulfill those objectives. Elements of mission and vision statements often combine to define an organization’s purpose, values and goals.

Vision Vs. Goals

The primary difference between visions and goals is action. Goals are action-oriented that need to produce results and drive business efficiency. A vision is an end in itself. However, visions are long-term while goals are short-term. You continue to define visions as you achieve one goal after another.

Vision Vs. Objectives

A vision provides a direction for your goals while objectives define your goals. It helps define strategies or steps you need to take to achieve goals. By fulfilling an objective, you progress toward your goals and ultimately, your vision.

Vision Vs. Purpose

It’s quite tricky to navigate the difference between purpose and vision as both highlight the underlying reason for an organization’s existence. However, a purpose reminds you about why you do something while vision tells you how to do it. Vision aligns with goals and mission and empowers you to achieve your objectives. Put simply, a purpose acts as a starting point while vision acts as a destination.

Successful professionals not only help organizations fulfill their mission and vision but also create personal mission and vision statements. If you’re curious about identifying your larger purpose and want to set objectives and goals, sign up for Harappa Education’s  Discovering Purpose course. The Elements of Purpose framework will help you identify your larger purpose in life. The Best Possible Self framework will teach you how to envision your ideal future self. Start the journey towards discovering your purpose today and create your journey to success.

Explore topics such as Guide to  Goal-Setting , What are  Career Goals ,  How to Achieve Goals  & the  Difference Between Objectives and Goals  from Harappa Diaries and successfully set your personal and professional goals.

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Mission Statement vs. Vision Statement

mission statement vs vision statement in education

Organizations summarize their goals and objectives in mission and vision statements . Both of these serve different purposes for a company but are often confused with each other. While a mission statement describes what a company wants to do now , a vision statement outlines what a company wants to be in the future .

The Mission Statement concentrates on the present; it defines the customer(s), critical processes and it informs you about the desired level of performance.

The Vision Statement focuses on the future; it is a source of inspiration and motivation. Often it describes not just the future of the organization but the future of the industry or society in which the organization hopes to effect change.

Comparison chart

The mission statement guides the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the organization. It helps in tactical planning and "rallying the troops" around a common near- to medium-term goal. The mission statement helps members of the organization get on the same page on what they should do and how they should do it.

The vision statement is, in a sense, loftier. It outlines the worldview of the organization and why it exists . It attracts people — not just employees but also customers and vendors — who believe in the vision of the organization.

Video Explaining the Differences

What's in a Vision Statement?

Vision Statement of the Toronto Zoo

When developing a vision statement , it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

  • What do we want to do going forward?
  • When do we want to do it?
  • How do we want to do it?

Features of an effective vision statement include:

  • Clarity and lack of ambiguity
  • Paint a vivid and clear picture, not ambiguous
  • Describing a bright future (hope)
  • Memorable and engaging expression
  • Realistic aspirations, achievable
  • Alignment with organizational values and culture
  • Time bound if it talks of achieving any goal or objective

What to Include in a Mission Statement

When developing a mission statement , it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

  • What do we do today?
  • For whom do we do it?
  • What is the benefit?

Features of an effective mission statement are:

  • Purpose and values of the organization
  • What business the organization wants to be in (products or services, market) or who are the organization's primary "clients" (stakeholders)
  • What are the responsibilities of the organization towards these "clients"
  • What are the main objectives that support the company in accomplishing its mission

The following Slideshare presentation by Alar Kolk — Visions & Missions of Fortune Global 100 — includes the vision and mission statements of companies in the Fortune 100:

Which comes first?

For a new start up business, new program or plan to re-engineer your current services, the vision statement will be formulated first as it will guide the mission statement and the rest of the strategic plan.

For an established business where the mission is established, often the mission guides the vision statement and the rest of the strategic plan for the future.

  • MDH Mission, Vision, Values and Goals - Minnesota Department of Health
  • Wikipedia: Strategic planning
  • Developing Effective Mission and Vision Statements - Inc.com

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Home » Impact » Nonprofit Mission Statements vs. Vision Statements

Nonprofit Mission Statements vs. Vision Statements

by George Weiner

Mission statements and vision statements are often confused for one another and therefore used interchangeably. Here we dive into what they are, why they are different, why that difference is important, and why you should have both.  

What is the difference: Mission vs Vision Statement?

The importance of both mission and vision statements starts with the “Why.” In his book, Start with Why, Simon Sinek shares his theory of the Golden Circle : Every person knows what they do; some people know how they do it. But few people know why they do it.  Yet the “Why” is the purpose and the driving factor of our work. All too often we start with the outer circle of “What. Instead, we need to start from the center and move outwards with regards to our mission and vision statements. Explain why you want to do what you do, then how you will do it, and finally what end goal you are aiming to achieve.

The other thought leader to look at for mission and vision is Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and Beyond Entrepreneurship . He defines the different layers that are vision and mission statements: The vision statement is the core of your organization lasting for one hundred years. Conversely, the mission statement encompasses your shorter target goal and can be changed once that goal is met.

We can look at Google Trends to see the difference between searches for mission v.s. vision statements. And what we see is that, more often than not, we are overusing the term “mission statement.” In the order of importance, we should look at values, then vision, followed by mission, then objectives, and, finally, key performance indicators (KPIs). The values of your organization help you to write your vision, which your mission, objectives, and KPIs will then then aim to accomplish.  

How to Write a Vision Statement

Your vision statement is a view of how the world should be as a result of your work . It should be short (i.e., one sentence), but also inspiring, memorable, and able to remain unchanged for 100 years.   For some organizations, the mission statement may be one part of the vision statement. 

Examples of Nonprofit Vision Statements:

  • Habitat for Humanity’s vision statement is for a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
  • c harity:water’s vision statement: end the water crisis in our lifetime by ensuring every person on the planet has access to life’s most basic need: clean drinking water.
  • Teach for America’s vision statement is that one day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.  

mission statement vs vision statement in education

Vision & Mission Statement Generator

Play with an AI Mission Statement Generator.

Mission Statements

A mission statement should be more tangible, have a shorter lifespan (think 1-5 years), and evolve more frequently than vision statements. This is the fundamental purpose of the organization-defined goal that helps you to reach the vision.

You can see here how we are working from the inner circle (the “Why”) to the outer circle (the how”). The mission is not just what challenge we are facing, but also how we are going to go about fixing it. Again, this should be a short, memorable summary of your goals and purpose. To determine your mission, think about your BHAG: Big Huge, Ambitious Goal . For example, Whole Whale’s vision c omprises our Purpose, Mission and goals. The “Why” or larger vision of Whole Whale is: Build a healthier, more just, and sustainable world.

mission statement vs vision statement in education

Try to attach a number or percentage to your mission goals to help you measure your progress.

If we think about this in military terms, the mission may be to win the war, but the overall goal and vision is to keep the country safe. It’s okay to use the term “mission statement” externally if that makes more sense to your constituents, but internally, you need to define this separately from your vision statement so that your team knows the inspiring end result, as well as the numbers they have to reach to get there.

Examples of Mission Statements

  • Habitat for Humanity : bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.
  • GlobalGiving : To transform aid and philanthropy to accelerate community-led change.
  • David And Lucile Packard Foundation : Improving the lives of children, enabling the creative pursuit of science, advancing reproductive health, conserving and restoring the earth’s natural systems.
  • Humane Society Of The United States : The mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation, and neglect.
  • National Public Radio: Our vision is to serve the public as the leading provider of high-quality news, information and cultural programming worldwide.
  • ASPCA : To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
  • Make a Wish America : Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
  • The Nature Conservancy : To conserve the land and waters on which all life depends.
  • International Rescue Committee : To help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

  Now go write those statements! Have an awesome mission or vision statement already? Share it with us @WholeWhale .

Ask Any Difference

Mission Statement vs Vision Statement: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways Mission Statement: A mission statement outlines an organization’s fundamental purpose and core objectives. It focuses on what the organization does, its primary stakeholders, and how it delivers value. It serves as a guiding statement for day-to-day operations and decisions, emphasizing the present. Vision Statement: A vision statement articulates an organisation’s long-term aspirations and future goals. It describes the desired state or achievements the organization aims to reach over an extended period, several years or even decades into the future. A vision statement inspires and motivates stakeholders by offering a compelling vision of what the organization hopes to become. While a mission statement clarifies the organization’s current purpose and activities, a vision statement provides a forward-looking, aspirational perspective of where the organization strives to be. Both statements are essential to an organization’s strategic planning and help define its identity and direction.

What is a Mission Statement?

A Mission statement defines the core purpose and goal of an organization. It will concise what the organization does and will do in the near future.

A mission statement will convey the rudimentary functions of a company, and it will also work as a blueprint for the employees to decide their daily operations to achieve the immediate goals.

Along with employees, mission statements are also for management to align them with the immediate objectives so they can utilize tools as required. They can also be shared with external stakeholders and customers in some cases.

Mission statements will include the organization’s goals and strategies. It will offer concrete facts rather than abstract ideas. It is a guiding statement that will shape an organization’s decision-making and deliver a sense of purpose for its employees.

Any company needs a mission statement for building a strategic framework. For example, if the company is in the healthcare field, then one of its mission statements can be to provide affordable healthcare services.

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What is a Vision Statement?

A Vision statement is an aspirational statement. It defines a company’s long-term goals that they aspire to achieve in the coming future over 5 to 10 years.

It is a source of inspiration and a guide for an organization’s long-term strategic planning and decision-making. The statement compiles a motivating view of what the organization hopes to accomplish.

A vision statement showcases how the organization desires to be after decades down the road. All the ambitious goals and a broad perspective are included in this statement.

Both internal and external stakeholders are subjected to receive the company’s vision. To put this in an example, a vision statement of an e-commerce site may have the desire to be a place where customers can find anything they might want to buy online.

This kind of goal will motivate the employees, but there are no immediate actions to be taken or added to daily tasks. The primary action will depend on the mission statement.

Difference Between Mission Statement and Vision Statement

  • A mission statement describes short-term goals, while a vision statement shows long-term goals.
  • A mission statement is about the organization’s present, while a vision statement is about the organization’s future goals.
  • Mission statements are more practical and action-oriented, whereas vision statements are inspirational and goal-based.
  • A mission statement will define the daily operations and be part of the management tool. On the other hand, vision statement goals are not included in day-to-day operations as they are not for the impending future.
  • A mission statement informs the employees about the immediate goals, while a vision statement motivates the employees about the organization’s prosperity.

Comparison Between Mission Statement and Vision Statement

  • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/palgrave.bm.2540031
  • https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJTM.1998.002645

Last Updated : 28 September, 2023

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mission statement vs vision statement in education

Small Business Trends

What is a vision statement and how to write one (+examples and template).

If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more .

A vision statement is an integral part of the foundation of any business. A well-crafted vision statement should be inspiring, meaningful, and easy to remember while clarifying the organization’s ambitions and values.

In this article, we will examine what exactly a vision statement is, explore how to write one effectively, and provide access to examples and templates to help you get started. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a Vision Statement?

A company vision statement is a crucial element in defining an organization’s identity and aspirations. It is an important cornerstone that informs a company’s strategy, operations, and culture. Here is an expanded explanation of what a vision statement is:

  • Declaration of Purpose : A vision statement is a declaration of an organization’s mission and purpose. It outlines the company’s primary objectives and provides an overview of its ultimate goals. This helps inform all business decisions and strategies, ensuring that they align with the company’s purpose.
  • Represents Brand Values : The vision statement embodies the brand values that the organization upholds. It communicates what the company stands for and believes in, helping to establish its reputation and image in the eyes of stakeholders.
  • Identifies Desired End State : A vision statement clearly identifies the desired end-state of the business. It describes where the company aspires to be in the future, serving as a beacon to guide all its efforts.
  • Road Map for Future Goals : The vision statement acts as a road map for how to achieve the organization’s future goals. It’s not overly specific, leaving room for innovation and adaptation as the business environment changes. This general but forward-looking nature distinguishes it from a business plan, which tends to be more detailed and specific.
  • Inspires and Motivates : An effective vision statement is inspiring, motivating employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. It paints an optimistic picture of the company’s future, stirring enthusiasm and commitment among those associated with the company.
  • Provides Direction and Clarity : A vision statement provides direction and clarity to stakeholders, helping them understand what the company aims to achieve in the long run. This clear sense of direction can be a powerful tool in decision making and strategy formulation.
  • Brief and Memorable : Ideally, a vision statement should be brief and memorable so that it can be easily communicated and understood. This ensures that it remains at the forefront of everyone’s mind, acting as a constant reminder of the company’s ultimate goals.

When you write a business plan , it should be more detailed and concrete, providing the specific steps your company will take to achieve the goals outlined in your vision statement. It should articulate the path towards the company’s vision, outlining the strategies, tactics, and resources needed to get there. Thus, a vision statement is not only a reflection of a company’s aspirations but also a key component that shapes its future actions and strategies.

vision statement

How to Write a Vision Statement

Writing a vision statement can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to write an effective, inspiring vision statement.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

vision statement

The first step in writing a vision statement is to identify your long-term goals for the company. You may refer to your business plan, mission, and personal brand statement for ideas. The following questions can also help you identify relevant points. What do you want to achieve? What does success look like three, five, or ten years from now? These questions will help you define the core purpose of your business.

It’s also important to consider any short-term objectives or milestones that have been set. You may find that some objectives are more achievable than others and must be adjusted accordingly. By taking this into account, you can create a realistic yet ambitious vision statement that will keep everyone motivated throughout the journey.

Step 2: Gather Input From Others

vision statement

Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to get input from other stakeholders in the company such as employees, customers, and shareholders. Ask them what they think should be included in the vision statement and how they would like to see their individual contributions reflected in it.

Gathering input from others helps provide perspective on different aspects of your business and ensures that everyone is working towards the same end goal.

Step 3: Write It Down

vision statement

Now comes the fun part – writing down your vision statement! Start by summarizing what you’ve learned so far such as what are your core values as a business, who are your customers, what you offer them, and where you want to go in the future.

Be sure to use concise language that speaks directly to these topics, as well as evokes emotion by showcasing why this journey matters for both yourself and those involved with you along the way.

Step 4: Finalize & Publish Your Vision Statement

vision statement

When crafting and editing your vision statement, make sure it’s something you can easily explain and believe in wholeheartedly. This is key for providing direction when making decisions down the line.

Once finalized, don’t forget to share it with all stakeholders so that everyone knows what lies ahead and how they can contribute towards achieving those goals. By keeping the vision statement visible and alive, it will serve as a reminder of the company’s purpose and inspire everyone to keep pushing forward.

vision statement

Vision Statement Template

A vision statement template provides a framework for creating an inspiring and effective vision statement. It asks questions about your company’s goals, values, and intended audience to help you create a statement that is meaningful and motivating.

Once you have answered the questions in the template, you can fill in the necessary sections in the template below to form the statement itself.

Our vision is to (describe goal/long-term objective) , while providing (describe services provided) , as well as striving towards (describe values) . We will inspire our (audience) by upholding our commitment to (list specific objectives or values) , ultimately leading to our success in achieving (key results or desired outcomes) .

mission statement vs vision statement in education

22 Vision Statement Examples

How are some of the world’s most successful organizations defining their own visions? What do you think of their inspiring vision statements?

Check out the following 22 examples of good vision statements from famous companies that you can use as inspiration to create your own vision statement:

Ikea’s vision statement reads , “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for many people.”

2. Linkedin

In its vision statement, LinkedIn defines what sets the company apart from other social media platforms when it says , “Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.”

3. Patagonia

Patagonia’s vision statement states : “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”

The Ford Motor Company’s vision statement says , “People working together as a lean, global enterprise to make people’s lives better through automotive and mobility leadership.”

5. Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s vision statement states , “To be the world’s most loved, most efficient, and most profitable airline.”

Tesla’s vision statement reads, “Create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.”

7. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo’s vision statement says, “To become a world leader at connecting people to wildlife and conservation.”

8. The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy’s vision statement looks to the company’s future and encompasses its values : “To leave a sustainable world for future generations.”

9. AT&T

AT&T’s vision statement reads , “To build a new global communications network that allows human resources to reallocate to more complex and productive activities – within a decade.”

10. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson uses the following vision statement to inspire healthier communities: “For every person to use their unique experiences and backgrounds, together – to spark solutions that create a better, healthier world.”

The BBC ‘s vision statement is short and sweet: “To be the most creative organization in the world.”

12. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s defines its core values in the following mission statement: “Making the best ice cream in the nicest possible way.”

mission statement vs vision statement in education

Short Business Vision Statement Examples

Creating a strong and concise vision statement can be difficult, even though the companies on our list make it look easy.

Here are some short business vision statement examples that you can use to model your own unique vision statement.

13. Feeding America

Feeding America’s short business vision statement describes the organization’s efforts: “A hunger-free America.”

The TED organization presents the world’s information and uses a short vision statement: “Spread ideas.”

Zoom’s short vision statement reads , “Video communications empowering people to accomplish more.”

Oxfam’s vision statement is simple and describes the company’s commitment: “A just world without poverty.”

17. Whole Foods

Whole Foods’ inspiring vision statement says , “To nourish people and the planet.”

In its vision statement, the world’s premier entertainment company says its vision is, “To be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”

Amazon’s vision statement shows the company isn’t afraid to dream big; it reads, “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”

IBM uses a vision statement detailing its overarching vision, saying, “To be the world’s most successful and important information technology company. Successful in helping our customers apply technology to solve their problems. Successful in introducing this extraordinary technology to new customers. Important because we will continue to be the basic resource of much of what is invested in this industry.”

21. McDonald’s

McDonald’s vision statement describes its values : “To move with velocity to drive profitable growth and become an even better McDonald’s serving more customers delicious food each day around the world.”

22. Warby Parker

The Warby Parker vision statement confirms the company’s direction is to offer designer eyewear; it reads, “We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun. It should leave you happy and good-looking, with money in your pocket. We also believe that everyone has the right to see.”

vision statement

Why Vision Statements are so Important for Businesses

A vision statement is undeniably one of the vital parts of a strategic planning process in business. It serves as the guiding light, providing both direction and energy to all business operations. Here are the reasons why a vision plan is so important for businesses:

  • Clear Direction : A vision statement provides a clear direction of where the organization wants to go. It outlines the end goal, helping employees understand the path the company is taking and align their individual efforts accordingly.
  • Guidance and Motivation : Vision statements offer guidance to employees, stakeholders, and even customers about the long-term objectives of the organization. They are inspirational, meant to encourage and motivate everyone involved with the company.
  • Foundation for Marketing Plan : A vision statement can serve as the basis for your company’s marketing plan . It can inform branding, messaging, and strategic initiatives, ensuring your marketing efforts are aligned with your company’s future goals.
  • Informs the Action Plan : A vision statement supports the company’s action plan. By clarifying the ultimate goal, it ensures that all new initiatives and strategies are supporting the company’s vision. This helps maintain coherence and focus in the business operations.
  • Decision-Making Tool : Having a vision statement simplifies decision-making processes. When faced with options, the question becomes, “Which choice better aligns with our vision?” This can prevent the company from straying off course or getting distracted by short-term gains.
  • Sets Expectations and Energizes Teams : A strong vision statement creates a sense of purpose, stimulates commitment, and energizes teams to work towards the set vision. It can help in building a unified team working in sync for a common goal.
  • Enhances Business Growth and Success : A well-defined vision statement sets the stage for business growth and success. It helps in identifying opportunities, improving performance, and inspiring innovation, all crucial for the company’s expansion and profitability.

Thus, having a well-crafted vision statement is not just a good practice, but a necessity for any business aiming for long-term success. It serves as a constant reminder of what the company wants to achieve, steering all business operations in the same direction.

vision statement

Mission Statement Vs Vision Statement

The company mission statement and the vision statement are two distinct concepts, but both mission and vision statements have one major thing in common – they are each used to define the future goals and values of a business.

A company’s mission statement describes what an organization does in the present day, while a vision statement outlines an ambitious goal for what it wishes to achieve in the next five to ten years.

Both vision and mission statements should be concise, inspiring, and achievable, enabling everyone in the organization to share a unified purpose and move forward together toward success.

mission statement vs vision statement in education

Characteristics of Amazing Vision Statements

A vision statement is a guiding document that helps to articulate the future aspirations of an organization.

For example, the Starbucks vision statement is “To establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow.” A great vision statement should have four key characteristics:

vision statement

Clarity is essential when crafting a compelling vision statement. It should communicate what the organization wants to accomplish in an easy-to-understand manner, avoiding any complex language or jargon.

Clarity allows everyone involved in the organization to clearly comprehend the what, why, and how of the statement and serves as a rallying cry for all stakeholders. A clear, concise, and compelling vision statement can help shape the direction of an organization for the better.

vision statement

Having a focused vision statement is essential for any organization’s future aspirations. It should define the specific goals and objectives of the organization, and how they plan to achieve them.

It should also help make sure that everyone involved in the organization is on the same page and working towards a shared goal.

A focused vision statement should be detailed enough for people to understand what their role is in contributing to the success of the organization, but broad enough to leave room for growth and development.

Inspiration

vision statement

Inspiration is a key component of an amazing vision statement. It allows the reader to get an idea of what the company stands for and why they are striving to reach its goals.

A great vision statement should inspire and motivate people to take action, while also providing a clear sense of direction. Inspiration can come from the company values, or from stories of real-world successes.

When done correctly, inspiring statements can help build trust and strengthen relationships between consumers and businesses.

Feasibility

vision statement

Feasibility is an important characteristic of an amazing vision statement. The statement should be realistic and achievable, while still pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

The vision must have a balance between ambition and practicality to ensure that it will be taken seriously by stakeholders. It must also align with the company’s current capabilities and resources in order to be believable.

In addition, it should address any potential obstacles that may occur on the way to achieving the goals set by the vision.

mission statement vs vision statement in education

Tips on How to Write a Good Vision Statement

How can you describe your entire business’s vision in just a few words? It is possible to create the perfect vision statement for your small business with creativity, focus, and effort. The following few tips for writing a vision statement should help:

  • Don’t be afraid to dream big and focus on the future of your organization. What can the company be in the years to come? What do you want to be known for?
  • Ensure that your vision statement reflects the core values and ethos of your business. It should be a true representation of what your business stands for and its fundamental beliefs.
  • Make it memorable and bring inspiration. What sets your organization apart from the competition? Be sure and highlight what makes your small business unique, and choose a language that inspires those within the organization to achieve its goals.
  • Highlight the impact you want your business to have on your customers, community, or even the world. This adds depth to your vision, showing that your goals extend beyond just profitability.
  • While it’s important to dream big, your vision should still be within the realm of possibility. It should challenge and motivate your team but remain achievable.
  • input from your employees or team members. Their insights can provide different perspectives and help craft a vision statement that resonates with everyone in the organization.
  • Consider what makes your business different and superior to competitors. Your vision statement should mirror these unique aspects, setting you apart in the industry.
  • Choose clear and specific language . Dreaming big doesn’t have to mean being vague, and the perfect vision statement should be specific enough to influence future decisions. Remember, you aren’t talking about the past, so be sure and write the vision statement in the present tense.
  • Consider how you want your business to be remembered in the long term. A good vision statement often encapsulates the legacy you aim to leave.
  • Your vision statement should be dynamic enough to evolve as your business grows and adapts to changing market conditions or customer needs.
  •  After drafting your vision statement, test it with a small group of stakeholders. Gather feedback and refine the statement to ensure it clearly communicates your intended message and resonates with your audience.
  • Keep it short . The best vision statements are not longer than a sentence or two, and many of the most memorable consist of just a few words.

Final Words

A well-crafted vision statement is a key component of any successful business. It outlines an inspiring goal that everyone in the organization can strive toward, provides guidance for decision-making, and helps to ensure that initiatives are focused on achieving the ultimate mission.

With some planning and creativity, anyone can craft a great vision statement using examples or templates as a starting point. When done right, it can ignite passion and motivation in employees and stakeholders alike – setting your business up for success.

However, if done incorrectly and without the proper care and consideration, it can do the opposite. So, take your time and create something that you and everyone else in your organization can believe in.

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  3. Mission Statement Vs Vision Statement: What are the Key Differences

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    mission statement vs vision statement in education

  5. Mission vs Vision Statement : Difference Between Vision and Mission

    mission statement vs vision statement in education

  6. Mission vs. Vision Statements in Business in 2020

    mission statement vs vision statement in education

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  1. Mission Statement vs. Being on a Mission

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  3. The Vision Statement A vision statement is a statement about where an organization sees itself wit

  4. Scholars' Academy Equity Vision Statement

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  1. A School's Vision and Mission Statements

    Missions and visions. The more I thought about it—then and since—the universal mission of every school is to teach. Academics, social skills, creative thinking, healthy living, good choices, and much more. We can embellish the concept of teaching with fancy words that signify academic achievement, physical growth, personal development ...

  2. How to Write School Mission and Vision Statements

    While school mission and vision statements have some overlap, there are a few key distinctions between the two. The primary difference between a mission statement and a vision statement is that a mission statement describes the school's current and/or founding identity and the key values that characterize the school as it is in the present.

  3. Vision vs. Mission Statement: What's the Difference?

    Vision vs. Mission Statement: What's the Difference? Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Dec 13, 2021 • 3 min read. From small businesses to nonprofits, companies use mission and vision statements to guide their current operations and future goals. From small businesses to nonprofits, companies use mission and vision statements to guide ...

  4. Mission and Vision Definition

    Mission and Vision. A mission statement, or simply a mission, is a public declaration that schools or other educational organizations use to describe their founding purpose and major organizational commitments—i.e., what they do and why they do it. A mission statement may describe a school's day-to-day operational objectives, its ...

  5. PDF Developing Vision and Mission Statements in a Multiple Pathways School

    Step 2. Clarify the function of vision and mission statements by review existing vision / mission statements from the school's pathways, or from other schools that have similar demographics. Ask the design team to articulate the purpose of a vision statement versus mission statement, using the examples.

  6. Mission Statement Definition

    A mission statement may describe a school's day-to-day operational objectives, its instructional values, or its public commitments to its students and community. The term mission statement is often used interchangeably with vision statement. While some educators and schools may loosely define the two terms, or even blur the traditional lines ...

  7. Do You Know Your School's Vision? Tips on Making a Meaningful Mission

    Simply put, words have power. And a powerful vision statement is one that gives everyone in the organization a vivid sense of purpose in the work they do. This is why, in my view, any school or ...

  8. PDF Examples of Mission and Vision Statements in Higher Education

    Mission Statement: "Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better" Vision Statement: Founded as "an institution of the highest order" and guided by the motto Meliora or Ever Better, the University of Rochester will help solve the greatest challenges of the 21st century by:

  9. 79 Examples of School Vision and Mission Statements

    He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris] The most common words in school vision and mission statements are: 1. Christian 2. Community 3.

  10. PDF FROM THE T Mission and Vision in Education

    Absent crit-ical examination, however, there may be precious little difference between vision and delusion, if by "statements of vision" we mean ver-bal concatenations mistaken for causal analyses. As generally conceived, vision statements provide the impetus for missions. And mission statements provide the targets for goal state-ments.

  11. Vision, Mission and Philosophy Statements

    Vision Statement. UCLA Early Care and Education inspires the next generation of life-long learners by providing: High-quality, developmentally-appropriate education and care for young children; A program focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion for families and staff; A work environment that nurtures, values and inspires our professional ...

  12. The Beginner's Guide to Vision and Mission Statements

    A mission statement explains an organization's core objectives, values, and aims concisely and descriptively. It's a declaration that defines the daily activities of an organization and how every person working within it will contribute to that overall mission. The primary purpose of a mission statement is to drive a company toward its goals.

  13. Mission vs. Vision Statement: Definitions and Differences

    Mission: "Offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.". Vision: "To create a better everyday life for the many people.". For Ikea, the "what" and the "who" is addressed in the mission statement, as well as the "how.".

  14. Vision Statement vs. Mission Statement (With Examples)

    Updated February 3, 2023. While they may seem similar, a company's vision statement refers to its long-term goals, while its mission statement refers to its beliefs and place in the community. Though both of these statements are key indicators of a company's culture and its aspirations, there are key differences between the two.

  15. The difference: Mission vs Vision Statements

    Mission statements vs. vision statements . Sometimes the terms "mission statement" and "vision statement" are used interchangeably or even combined into a single statement. But they mean two very different things. Your mission statement is what your company is doing right now, while your vision statement is what you hope to achieve in ...

  16. Vision Statement Definition

    A vision statement, or simply a vision, is a public declaration that schools or other educational organizations use to describe their high-level goals for the future—what they hope to achieve if they successfully fulfill their organizational purpose or mission.A vision statement may describe a school's loftiest ideals, its core organizational values, its long-term objectives, or what it ...

  17. Difference Between Vision, Mission and Goals

    The primary difference between visions and goals is action. Goals are action-oriented that need to produce results and drive business efficiency. A vision is an end in itself. However, visions are long-term while goals are short-term. You continue to define visions as you achieve one goal after another. Vision Vs.

  18. Mission Statement vs Vision Statement

    Time. A mission statement talks about the present leading to its future. A vision statement talks about your future. Function. It lists the broad goals for which the organization is formed. Its prime function is internal; to define the key measure or measures of the organization's success and its prime audience is the leadership, team and ...

  19. Difference Between Mission and Vision Statements: 25 Examples

    The mission statement focuses on today and what we do, and the vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what we want to become. Both are important to a company's survival. Call it the essence, beating heart, or the defining characteristic — whatever you call it, make sure your mission and vision statements are clearly defined and understood ...

  20. The Problem With Most School Mission Statements

    A mission statement should act like a mirror, clarifying for everyone where the school is, and where it's going. But more importantly, it should reflect exactly-with great clarity and specificity-how it supports the growth of children. And for that to happen, it has to change. Changing endlessly—responding to changing tones, values, and ...

  21. Nonprofit Mission Statements vs. Vision Statements

    A mission statement should be more tangible, have a shorter lifespan (think 1-5 years), and evolve more frequently than vision statements. This is the fundamental purpose of the organization-defined goal that helps you to reach the vision. You can see here how we are working from the inner circle (the "Why") to the outer circle (the how").

  22. Mission Statement vs Vision Statement: Difference and Comparison

    A mission statement is about the organization's present, while a vision statement is about the organization's future goals. Mission statements are more practical and action-oriented, whereas vision statements are inspirational and goal-based. A mission statement will define the daily operations and be part of the management tool.

  23. What is a Vision Statement and How to Write One (+Examples and Template)

    Vision Statement Mission Statement; Definition: The vision statement describes the organization's future ambitions, outlining what it aims to achieve in the next five to ten years. The mission statement describes the organization's current operations, its core purpose, and why it exists. Time Frame: Future-oriented, typically looking 5-10 years ...

  24. Indiana State University denounces student's racist TikTok about

    The student was not named in the school's statement, but Curtis said the university is aware of the "rampant misinformation spreading online" and said under federal law, "the privacy of ...