Andrew Jordan Principal, superintendent in Illinois and 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year, has released an open letter encouraging individuals to take practical, incremental steps toward solving challenges in schools, workplaces, and communities. Drawing on his experience as an educator and school leader, Jordan argues that waiting for ideal conditions often leads to inaction, and that sustainable change begins with one manageable action.
In the letter, Jordan recalls transforming an underused school library by repurposing existing furniture and painting walls, a small project that created a welcoming space for students and later supported grant funding. He emphasizes that consistent, small adjustments—such as organizing a workspace or asking a colleague how to make their week easier—can lead to meaningful outcomes over time. Jordan references research from the National Center for Education Statistics showing that nearly one in five U.S. public school students attends a rural school, and notes that the Learning Policy Institute found regular progress monitoring can improve student intervention success by nearly 20 percent. Additionally, RAND Corporation research indicates that schools using shorter review cycles can improve outcomes more quickly than those relying on annual planning.
The letter also highlights that strong family and community engagement, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education, is linked to higher student attendance, stronger academic performance, and improved school climate. Jordan encourages readers to take specific actions over the next seven days, such as identifying one solvable problem, spending 15 minutes organizing a frequently used space, or celebrating a small success. He stresses that lasting change often comes from steady improvements made after others have moved on.
Jordan concludes by urging readers to choose one action, stay consistent, and notice the changes. "You don't need perfect conditions. You need people who are willing to start," he writes, inviting recipients to share the letter with others who may need a reminder that meaningful progress often starts with a single small decision.
