Andrew Jordan, Superintendent in Illinois and the 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year, has released an open letter encouraging individuals to focus on small, practical steps to address challenges in their schools, workplaces, and communities. The letter, published on July 28, 2026, draws on Jordan's extensive experience as an educator and school leader to convey that waiting for perfect conditions often results in inaction.
Jordan's message resonates with research highlighting the effectiveness of incremental improvements. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly one in five U.S. public school students attends a rural school. The Learning Policy Institute has reported that regular progress monitoring can improve the success of student interventions by nearly 20 percent. Additionally, RAND research found that schools using shorter review cycles can improve outcomes more quickly than those relying solely on annual planning. The U.S. Department of Education has linked strong family and community engagement to higher student attendance, stronger academic performance, and improved school climate.
In his letter, Jordan shares a personal example of transforming an underused school library by repurposing existing furniture and painting walls, which later supported grant funding. "You don't have to solve every challenge this week. You just have to solve the one sitting in front of you," Jordan writes. He emphasizes that preparation, consistency, and showing up matter more than making giant changes overnight.
The implications of Jordan's approach extend beyond education. By advocating for steady, consistent improvements, he offers a blueprint for anyone feeling overwhelmed by large problems. The letter includes a list of actionable steps, such as identifying one problem to improve, organizing a daily space, or celebrating small successes. This practical guidance can help individuals and organizations build momentum and achieve lasting results.
Jordan's career as a teacher, principal, and superintendent has focused on improving student opportunities through practical leadership, community partnerships, innovative learning spaces, and grant-supported initiatives. His open letter serves as a reminder that meaningful progress often begins with a single, manageable step, and that small adjustments made consistently can lead to significant change.
