Andrew Jordan Principal, the 2022 Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year and current superintendent in Illinois, has released an open letter encouraging individuals to focus on manageable improvements rather than being overwhelmed by large challenges. Drawing from his experience as an educator and school leader, Jordan argues that lasting change often begins with a single practical step.
In the letter, Jordan recounts a project where he transformed an underused school library by repurposing existing furniture and painting walls, creating a space that students wanted to use. This small initiative later supported successful grant applications. "You don't have to solve every challenge this week. You just have to solve the one sitting in front of you," Jordan writes.
The letter highlights research supporting the impact of incremental actions. 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 the success of student interventions by nearly 20 percent. RAND research indicates that schools using shorter review cycles can achieve outcomes more quickly than those relying solely on annual planning. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education links strong family and community engagement to higher student attendance and improved school climate.
Jordan emphasizes that the principles of preparation, consistency, and showing up apply beyond education to workplaces, neighborhoods, and personal habits. "Small adjustments made consistently usually beat one big adjustment made too late," he notes. The letter includes a list of ten actionable steps individuals can take within a week, such as identifying a solvable problem, organizing a frequently used space, or asking someone how to make their week easier.
Jordan concludes by urging readers to choose one action and commit to it for seven days, then share the letter with others. "You don't need perfect conditions. You need people who are willing to start," he writes. The message serves as a reminder that meaningful progress often begins with one small decision.
