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Vision of a Learner

Vision of a Learner: The goals a school community sets to achieve their highest aspirations for learners

Perhaps the most important challenge facing educational leaders is shifting the focus of teaching and learning from content knowledge to skill development. For students to think critically, work collaboratively, and learn deeply, these important attributes must be defined clearly by schools, and systems must be put in place to authentically asses and give feedback to students on their progress toward proficiency. 

The Vision of a Learner provides a framework that helps schools in this work by matching the needs of modern classrooms, colleges, communities, and careers. Along with mission and values, this vision is a key component of creating a foundation for learning and decision-making within a school. To support this core transformative work, the NEASC Standards for Accreditation ask that schools develop a Vision of a Learner. 

We are pleased to provide assistance to schools and districts for developing and implementing their own Vision of a Learner through comprehensive workshops, coaching/cohorts, study groups, and online resources.

kids in red graduation gowns and caps

Please note:
NEASC has shifted from using the term "Vision of the Graduate" to "Vision of a Learner." Other commonly used terms for the concept include,  “collective vision for student success,” and “portrait of a graduate,” 

The vision of a learner embeds essential life skills into expectations of our schools. It’s not just content and academics. It’s about building transferable skills our students need to be successful in their future.
Erin Palonen, Principal, Griswold High School, CT


Cohort Workshops and Coaching Sessions 2026-27

Transforming school aspirations into action

Beginning in the fall, NEASC will launch an engaging series of collaborative cohort workshops paired with personalized, school-specific coaching throughout the 2026-27 school year. 
 
Cohort members will meet multiple times over the course of the year to exchange ideas, develop actionable plans, celebrate progress, and work together to bring their vision of a learner to life.
 
Working collaboratively, teams will explore and apply practical strategies to lay the foundation for school/district-wide implementation. Each workshop session offers opportunities to build skills, test new approaches, and develop plans tailored to their unique learning community.

An ideal opportunity for team participation

These workshops and coaching sessions were designed for teams of educators, students, and leaders who are committed to deepening the implementation of their Vision of a Learner. Each school/district team can register up to six participants.

Register

Reserve your team's spot today!

Optional Image Button Link

Young student in red graduation cap and gown

 

Fees

$3750.00 for a team of up to six people from one school/district.  The fee covers attendance and materials for both workshops plus one coaching session (to be scheduled separately).

Facilitators

Mary Anne Moran and John Clements

Co-Principals of Nipmuc Regional High School, Upton, MA

Mary Ann Moran headshot
John Clements headshot

Workshops

Dates:
October 22-23, 2026 
March 18-19, 2027 

Format:
In-person, 2-day sessions:
Thursday, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (breakfast and lunch included)

Location:
30 Realty Drive
Cheshire, CT 06410
(at the office of the Connecticut Association of Schools)

Coaching Sessions

Participating school teams will have access to a dedicated coaching session. Through expert, targeted feedback, guided reflection on progress, and support in addressing challenges of practice, teams will gain the clarity, confidence, and direction needed to advance their implementation efforts effectively.

Format:
Virtual, 45 minutes
A dates/time convenient to both parties for the session will be scheduled between October 2026 and March 2027.


Examples and Experiences

Community Comments

What workshop participants are saying about a Vision of a Learner...

What it is...

  • Traits, attributes, transferable skills
  • Universal and unifying (district-wide)
  • Aspirational and action oriented
  • Community specific and culturally relevant
  • Accessible and inclusive
  • Aligned with SEL and other work
     

What it isn't...

  • Content-specific
  • Easy to measure/quantitative
  • A rubric or curriculum
  • Passive
  • Linear/finite
  • A poster on the wall
     

The impact...

  • Help a school community unify, define what is important, communicate these values consistently, and be aspirational.
  • Give students and teachers a more inclusive definition of success and a more positive relationship with failure.
  • Build self-guided individuals apt to find their passion and pathway into the future.
  • Take focus off of grades and instead focus on what it means to be a life-long learner and overall successful person.
  • Cultivate well-rounded, ethical leaders, nurturing global citizenship, resilience, and a positive impact.

Guide to Developing and Implementing a Vision of Learner

If you would like to request a PDF copy of the guide for your school, please send us an email and include the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Your school name and location
  • Your role at the school

Thank you.

Request a copy

For questions about content, contact:
Alyson Geary
Director for Accreditation and School Improvement
NEASC Commission on Public Schools
781-425-7736 | ageary@neasc.org

For help with workshops and other events contact:
Misha Larson, Events Manager
781-425-7734 | mlarson@neasc.org

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