Andrew Jordan Principal, 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 education, workplaces, and communities. The letter, shared via 24-7PressRelease, draws on Jordan's experience as an educator and school leader to argue that waiting for ideal conditions often leads to inaction.
Jordan recalls a project where he transformed an underused school library by moving furniture from storage and painting walls, rather than waiting for new purchases. That small change created a space students wanted to use and 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.
The open letter cites research from the National Center for Education Statistics, noting that 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. RAND research indicates that schools using shorter review cycles can improve outcomes more quickly than those relying 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.
Jordan emphasizes the importance of consistency and preparation, drawing on his experience organizing races. 'When you organise races, there isn't much room for excuses. People expect things to start on time and run smoothly. Schools deserve that same level of organisation,' he writes. The letter offers a list of ten small actions individuals can take in the next week, such as identifying one problem to improve, organizing a space, or asking someone what would make their week easier.
The message concludes with a reminder: 'You don't need perfect conditions. You need people who are willing to start.' Jordan, who has focused on improving student opportunities through practical leadership, community partnerships, and innovative learning spaces, encourages readers to share the letter with others who may need encouragement to take that first step.
