Corey Gordon: How to Build a Vision That Actually Drives School Improvement
What does it really mean to communicate a vision—and why does it matter so much for school culture?
In this episode, John Schembari is joined by Corey Gordon, CEO of DeliverEd, to explore how schools and districts can move beyond vision statements as “documents on a page” and turn them into drivers of strategic action and improvement.
Together, they unpack:
Why a clear vision is the essential first step in building strong school culture
What effective vision statements include—and what they leave out
How mission statements, portraits of a graduate, and strategic plans work together
Practical ways to elevate student voice and stakeholder co-creation
Common implementation pitfalls (initiative fatigue, lack of KPIs, rushing change)
How leaders can live the vision through modeling, recognition, hiring, and accountability
This conversation is especially relevant for school and district leaders who want alignment, focus, and follow-through—not just another glossy plan.
🎧 Key takeaway: Vision only matters if it shapes daily decisions, behaviors, and systems—and leadership makes the difference.
Music by Alex