Andrew Jordan Principal, an Illinois superintendent and former principal of the year, has released an open letter urging individuals to tackle challenges by focusing on one manageable step at a time. Drawing from his experience in education, Jordan argues that waiting for ideal circumstances often leads to inaction, while small, consistent actions can create lasting change.
In the letter, Jordan recounts a project where he transformed an underused school library into a vibrant student space by repurposing existing furniture and materials. This initiative not only increased student engagement but also helped secure future grant funding by demonstrating proof of concept. He emphasizes that the same principle applies beyond schools, whether in workplaces, neighborhoods, or personal habits.
Jordan highlights research supporting his approach, noting that nearly one in five U.S. public school students attends a rural school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The Learning Policy Institute has reported that regular progress monitoring can improve student interventions by nearly 20 percent, while RAND research indicates that shorter review cycles lead to faster improvements. The U.S. Department of Education also links strong family and community engagement to higher attendance and academic performance.
The letter includes a list of actionable steps for readers, such as identifying one problem to improve within a week, organizing a frequently used space, or asking someone how to make their week easier. Jordan encourages consistency over perfection, stating, 'Small adjustments made consistently usually beat one big adjustment made too late.'
Andrew Jordan Principal, the 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year, has focused his career on practical leadership, community partnerships, and innovative learning spaces. His message serves as a reminder that meaningful progress often starts with a single, deliberate step.
