The Power of Visualising for Goal Setting: A Vision Board Guide for Teachers in Aotearoa

Visualising for goal setting is one of the most effective ways educators can build confidence, strengthen motivation, and stay focused throughout the school year. In education, our goals are often connected to student progress, professional growth, wellbeing, and community connection. That is why tools like vision boards can be especially powerful for teachers and school leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this blog, we explore how visualisation supports goal achievement, why vision boards work for educators, and how teachers can use a Keep, Start, Grow, Stop, Celebrate, Challenge, Achieve framework to create meaningful goals.

You will also find Aotearoa classroom examples, professional learning goals, and an FAQ section designed to support your next steps.

What is visualising in goal setting?

Visualising (also known as mental imagery) is the process of imagining yourself taking action toward a goal and experiencing the steps needed to achieve it. Visualisation supports goal setting by helping teachers:

• clarify what they want to work toward

• build confidence by mentally rehearsing new routines

• strengthen motivation during busy terms

• stay connected to their purpose and values as educators

Research suggests mental imagery can support learning and performance because it strengthens cognitive processes linked to achievement.

For educators, this means visualising can be used to support both professional goals (such as structured literacy training) and classroom goals (such as improving student engagement and building relationships with tamariki).

Why vision boards work for teachers and school leaders

A vision board is a visual tool that represents goals using words, images, and prompts. Vision boards support teacher goal setting by helping educators keep their goals visible and achievable across the year.

Vision boards can help teachers in Aotearoa:

• stay focused during busy school terms

• track progress over time

• reflect on professional learning goals

• strengthen wellbeing and work-life routines

• celebrate student growth and classroom wins

• stay connected to culturally responsive teaching practices

Forbes contributor Lidija Globokar highlights how visualisation can support clarity and motivation in goal setting.Vision boards are also widely used as a tool for focus and motivation when aligned to action.

Vision board goal setting for teachers

The Coactive Education vision board template is a great start for visualis

ing your goals for the year. It provides a clear structure for educator goal setting. This framework works well for teacher inquiry, professional growth plans, and personal wellbeing goals.

Below are practical examples of vision board goals for teachers in Aotearoa classrooms.

Vision Board Template.pdf

Download PDF • 448KB

I will KEEP:

The KEEP tile helps teachers reflect on what is already working in their teaching practice.

Teacher goals for KEEP:

• Keep building strong relationships with tamariki

• Keep using evidence-informed literacy teaching strategies

• Keep showing up with patience and confidence each day

• Keep strengthening classroom routines that support engagement

Aotearoa classroom example:

Many teachers can see the impact of relationship-based teaching when students feel safe, known, and connected. A simple teacher goal might be:

“This year I will keep talking to my students and growing relationships that are essential for learning.”

This goal supports classroom culture and learning readiness for tamariki across all year levels.

I will START:

The START tile is ideal for beginning a new habit, routine, or professional commitment.

Teacher goals for START:

• Start using te reo Māori daily in the classroom

• Start leading karakia at the beginning of staff meetings

• Start planning literacy groups earlier in the week

• Start using goal check-ins and reflection routines

Aotearoa example goal:

“This year I will pronounce all my Te Reo Māori confidently, and lead the karakia at the start of our staff meetings.”

This type of goal supports cultural responsiveness and strengthens everyday confidence.

I will GROW:

The GROW tile supports teacher professional learning and long-term skill development.

Teacher goals for GROW:

• Grow confidence teaching structured literacy routines

• Grow knowledge of science of reading practices

• Grow consistency with phonological awareness teaching

• Grow classroom systems for intervention and support

Aotearoa teacher goal example:

“This year I will become structured literacy certified.”

This goal connects directly to improved teaching practice and better outcomes for learners who need explicit and systematic instruction.

I will STOP:

The STOP tile supports educator wellbeing and time management, which are essential for sustainable teaching practice.

Teacher goals for STOP:

• Stop leaving planning until the last minute

• Stop doubting my skills and confidence

• Stop skipping breaks and forgetting hydration

• Stop relying on costly daily lunch purchases

Aotearoa teacher goal example:

“This year I will stop leaving my planning until the last minute and improve my time management.”

In practice, this might mean planning literacy rotations on Thursdays or using shorter planning blocks across the week.

I will CELEBRATE:

The CELEBRATE tile helps teachers reflect on growth and build momentum throughout the year.

Teacher goals for CELEBRATE:

• Celebrate student progress and learning milestones

• Celebrate finishing professional qualifications

• Celebrate classroom culture and behaviour wins

• Celebrate community success and whānau engagement

Aotearoa classroom example:

“This year I will celebrate the progress of all the tamariki I work with.”

This is a powerful goal because it supports teacher wellbeing and helps educators focus on what is improving, not only what still needs support.

I will CHALLENGE:

The CHALLENGE tile supports teacher development goals that require courage, new learning, or mindset shifts.

Teacher goals for CHALLENGE:

• Challenge yourself to try new instructional routines

• Challenge yourself to lead part of a staff meeting

• Challenge yourself to ask for support earlier

• Challenge yourself to attend a new professional learning session

Example professional learning goal:

“This year I will attend a professional development session about new technology and education.”

Many teachers want to develop confidence with changing tools and classroom expectations. Professional development is a great starting point.

I will ACHIEVE: Clear outcomes that matter for tamariki and whānau

The ACHIEVE tile is where you place your “big goal” for the year.

Teacher goals for ACHIEVE:

• Achieve a literacy qualification or certification

• Achieve consistent classroom systems and routines

• Achieve stronger engagement across your learners

• Achieve meaningful whānau partnerships

Aotearoa teacher goal examples:

“This year I will host a community event for our tamariki.”“This year I will complete structured literacy certification.”

Community-focused goals support belonging, relationships, and school connection for whānau and students.

You can download the Coactive Education Vision Board Template to support your goal setting for 2026 and beyond. This printable teacher-friendly resource is designed especially for educators in Aotearoa, with simple prompts that make it easy to reflect, plan, and take action throughout the year. Whether your goals include strengthening your te reo Māori pronunciation, becoming structured literacy certified, hosting a community event for your tamariki, or building better work-life routines, this vision board template gives you a practical way to keep your goals visible and meaningful.

Download the Coactive vision board template, print it for your desk or staffroom wall, and use the tiles to write goals you will KEEP, START, GROW, STOP, CELEBRATE, CHALLENGE, and ACHIEVE this year.

Vision Board Template.pdf

Download PDF • 448KB

A practical method to help teachers achieve goals: WOOP planning

Many educators find that the hardest part of goal setting is follow-through during a busy term.

WOOP is a goal-planning strategy developed by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen:

• Wish

• Outcome

• Obstacle

• Plan

WOOP supports people to plan for barriers so goals remain achievable.

Example teacher WOOP plan:

Wish: Become structured literacy certifiedOutcome: Feel confident and improve outcomes for learnersObstacle: Time pressure and fatigue during the termPlan: If I am too tired to study, I will do 15 minutes only and stop

This method supports realistic progress, which matters in education where demands are constant and energy is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions: Visualising and vision boards for teachers

How does visualising help with goal setting?

Visualising helps teachers clarify goals, build confidence, and mentally rehearse steps needed for success. Research suggests mental imagery can support performance and achievement by strengthening cognitive processes that support learning.

Do vision boards work for teacher wellbeing?

Yes. Vision boards can help teachers stay focused on priorities, build self-belief, and maintain motivation across the year. Vision boards are often used as a tool for goal clarity and sustained focus.

Where can I download a vision board template?

You can download the Coactive Vision board template right here! Send us a picture on social media of you using it and we'll reshare the inspiration on our page. @coactiveeducation

What are the best vision board goals for teachers in Aotearoa?

Some of the most meaningful goals for Aotearoa educators include:

• improving pronunciation and confidence in te reo Māori

• leading karakia in staff meetings

• growing structured literacy knowledge and practice

• building classroom culture through relationships

• hosting community events for tamariki and whānau

• attending professional development sessions

Can teachers use vision boards with students?

Yes. Vision boards can be a powerful classroom tool for student goal setting, especially when connected to identity, belonging, wellbeing, and learning goals. Students can use a simplified framework like:

• This term I will keep…

• This term I will start…

• I will celebrate…

• I will challenge myself by…

How often should teachers look at their vision board?

A simple routine works well:

• Make your vision board visible! Print and place on the staffroom, by your desk, on your fridge, in your home or as your phone or laptop wallpaper.

• the more you look at it, the closer it is to front of mind.

• after a tough day, reveiwing your goals is a great reset and reminder of your why. Even a short check-in can help keep goals visible and meaningful.

Final reflection: Visualising supports teacher growth, confidence, and classroom impact

Teaching is a profession built on dedication, relationship, and continuous learning. Visualising supports educators to stay connected to what matters most, even when the year feels full.

A vision board offers a practical way to:

• clarify goals

• build momentum

• celebrate progress

• strengthen confidence

• remain focused on tamariki and community outcomes

When educators visualise their goals with intention, the pathway forward becomes clearer. Small steps feel more achievable. Progress becomes more visible. Growth becomes something you can return to again and again.

References and further reading

• Globokar, L. (2020). The Power of Visualization and How to Use It. Forbes.

• Oettingen, G. (WOOP). Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan.

• Verywell Mind. How to Use a Vision Board to Achieve Your Goals.

• ScienceDirect research on mental imagery and academic performance.