Andrew Jordan Principal: Start Small, Change Big

In an open letter published on July 28, 2026, Andrew Jordan, Superintendent and former 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year, shares a powerful message for anyone feeling overwhelmed by challenges in their school, workplace, or community. Drawing from his experience as an educator and school leader, Jordan emphasizes that meaningful progress doesn't require perfect conditions—it starts with one practical step. He recalls transforming a quiet, underused school library by repurposing existing furniture and painting walls, creating a space that attracted students and later supported grant funding. Jordan's core message, echoed in the phrase 'You don't have to solve every challenge this week. You just have to solve the one sitting in front of you,' underscores the importance of starting small and building momentum.

The letter highlights key principles: preparation, consistency, and showing up matter more than overnight overhauls. Jordan notes that 'small adjustments made consistently usually beat one big adjustment made too late,' a lesson applicable beyond schools—to workplaces, neighborhoods, and personal habits. He supports his philosophy with research: nearly one in five U.S. public school students attends a rural school (National Center for Education Statistics), regular progress monitoring can improve student interventions by nearly 20% (Learning Policy Institute), schools using shorter review cycles improve outcomes faster (RAND), and strong family engagement boosts attendance and performance (U.S. Department of Education).

To put these ideas into action, Jordan offers a list of ten small steps individuals can take this week, such as identifying one problem to improve, organizing a daily-used space for 15 minutes, or replacing a complaint with a practical solution. He calls on readers to commit to one action for seven days, stay consistent, and notice changes. As an Illinois superintendent focused on community partnerships, innovative learning spaces, and grant-supported initiatives, Jordan's letter serves as a practical guide for turning good intentions into tangible progress.