ANDREW JORDAN PRINCIPAL, the 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year and current superintendent, has published an open letter encouraging individuals to tackle challenges one practical step at a time. The letter, released on July 28, 2026, draws on his experience as an educator and school leader to advocate for incremental improvements in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Jordan writes that waiting for everything to line up perfectly often leads to inaction. He recalls transforming an underused school library by relocating existing furniture and painting walls, which created a welcoming space for students. This small project later helped secure grant funding by demonstrating proof of concept. 'You don't have to solve every challenge this week. You just have to solve the one sitting in front of you,' Jordan states in the letter.
The importance of small, consistent actions is supported by research. 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 schools using shorter review cycles improve outcomes more quickly than those relying on annual planning. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education links strong family and community engagement to higher attendance and academic performance.
Jordan, who previously served as a teacher and principal, emphasizes that preparation, consistency, and showing up matter more than overnight transformations. He suggests that 'small adjustments made consistently usually beat one big adjustment made too late.' The letter includes a list of actionable steps for readers, such as identifying one problem to improve this week, spending 15 minutes organizing a shared space, or encouraging a colleague.
Jordan's message extends beyond education, applying to workplace routines, neighborhood projects, or personal habits. He encourages readers to start with what is already available rather than waiting for ideal circumstances. 'You don't need perfect conditions. You need people who are willing to start,' he concludes.
