Shared Vision In Schools As Professional Learning Communities

In schools as exemplified by professional learning communities, the purpose of sharing vision and goals by the principal is not only to get approved by the staff but to enable and encourage them to realize what is important for them and for the school. Staff members of the school are involved in the process of developing a vision in order to use

it as a guideline in their professional practices. One of the important characteristics of a school as a professional learning community is the due attention of staff members on students’ learning as a common goal. Students are foreseen as capable of learning and learning opportunities are provided to maximize their academic potentials by the staff.

Effective professional learning communities have a common attribute as a shared vision that makes the climate of learning the highest priority.  The search for learning is not a part of the content that can be taught but is a value that teachers model. The teachers who are passionate, internally motivated to learn can truly teach the joy of learning to the students. The goal of lifelong learning for the students is meaningless unless the transforming a school into a professional learning community in which teachers demonstrate engagement in meaningful learning activities. These are the shared values and purposes that bind the staff members together.

In a school that focuses on promoting a professional learning community, the principal develops the vision and sets goals involving the staff members, parents, and students. The way of developing such a vision and formation of goals by a principal who with the help of staff members and the community, gains vital support for establishing the school as a professional learning community. The goals formed serve as guiding principles. 

And stand as criteria to assess the school’s effectiveness and set high expectations for learning for all students and staff, provided; all the students with the knowledge, skills, and values; culture of cooperation and collegiality; and opportunities for participation of the community in school’s efforts. The transformation of schools into professional learning communities occurred because the school and the community pulled together to accomplish a common goal to make the school a better place for the children.