Andrew Jordan, Superintendent in Illinois and the 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year, has shared an open letter addressing individuals who feel overwhelmed by challenges in their schools, workplaces, or communities. Drawing from his experience as an educator and school leader, Jordan argues that meaningful progress rarely begins with perfect conditions but rather with one practical step.
In the letter, Jordan recounts a project where he transformed an underused school library into a welcoming space by rearranging existing furniture and painting walls, without waiting for new purchases. This small initiative not only increased student usage but also helped secure future grant funding by demonstrating the concept's viability. Jordan emphasizes that such lessons apply beyond education, encouraging readers to improve their environments using what is already available.
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 links strong family and community engagement to higher student attendance, stronger academic performance, and improved school climate.
Jordan advises that lasting change comes from consistent, small adjustments rather than large, infrequent efforts. He provides a list of actionable steps individuals can take within a week, such as identifying one problem to improve, organizing a frequently used space, asking someone what would make their week easier, or celebrating a small success instead of waiting for a major milestone. The letter concludes with a reminder that perfect conditions are not required; what matters is a willingness to start.
This announcement highlights the importance of incremental progress in education and community development, offering a practical framework for individuals seeking to create positive change without feeling overwhelmed.
