Andrew Jordan Principal, the 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year and current superintendent in Iroquois County, IL, has released an open letter urging individuals to tackle challenges one small step at a time rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Drawing on his career as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, Jordan argues that consistent, practical improvements lead to lasting change.
In the letter, Jordan recalls transforming an underused school library into a vibrant student space by moving existing furniture and painting walls, a project that later attracted grant funding. 'You don't have to solve every challenge this week. You just have to solve the one sitting in front of you,' he writes. The lesson extends beyond education to workplaces, communities, and personal habits.
Research supports Jordan's approach. 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 reports that regular progress monitoring can improve student interventions by nearly 20 percent. RAND research indicates that shorter review cycles yield faster improvements than annual planning. The U.S. Department of Education links strong family and community engagement to higher attendance, academic performance, and improved school climate.
Jordan also emphasizes preparation and consistency, derived from his experience organizing races. 'Small adjustments made consistently usually beat one big adjustment made too late,' he notes. The letter offers actionable steps, such as identifying one problem to improve, organizing a daily space, or asking someone how to ease their week.
The open letter concludes with a call to choose one action and commit to it for seven days, then share the message. Jordan's career has focused on practical leadership, community partnerships, and grant-supported initiatives that create lasting impact.
