Grants to Growth: Leveraging External Funding to Transform Small-School Opportunities
By Andrew Jordan One of the biggest challenges small schools face is making the most out of limited resources. Tight budgets, small tax bases, and rising costs can make it feel like opportunities for students are out of reach. Yet, I’ve seen firsthand how external funding—through grants—can transform what’s possible. When used strategically, grants don’t […]
Winning Beyond the Scoreboard: Teaching Resilience and Grit Through Athletics and Academics By Andrew Jordan
As both an educator and a former athlete, I’ve always believed that schools should be about more than just textbooks and test scores. Education is about shaping resilient, adaptable human beings—students who can rise after failure, persevere through setbacks, and find purpose even when the scoreboard doesn’t swing in their favor. That’s why I see […]
Small Schools, Big Impact: How Rural Leaders Can Innovate Without Big Budgets By Andrew Jordan
The Challenge and the Opportunity Leading a rural school comes with unique challenges—and unique opportunities. As someone who’s spent years working in smaller, rural districts, I understand firsthand that limited budgets, fewer staff, and scarce resources can sometimes feel like barriers to progress. Yet, these same constraints can inspire creativity, collaboration, and bold innovation that […]
Student Events with Purpose: How Community-Based Activities Build School Culture and Character By Andrew Jordan
The Power of Purposeful Events Throughout my career in education, I’ve seen firsthand how student events can either be superficial fundraisers or genuine opportunities for growth. When I first started organizing the Stockton 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, it was simply an idea to bring our community together around a shared love of basketball. Fifteen years later, […]
The Entrepreneurial Principal: Turning School Challenges into Strategic Opportunities By Andrew Jordan
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Mindset When I first stepped into school leadership after years of running my own businesses, I realized that many of the principles I used as an entrepreneur applied directly to managing a school. In both arenas, there are obstacles—limited resources, shifting expectations, and high stakes—that demand creative thinking. As an entrepreneur, I […]
Leading Like an Entrepreneur: Building a School Culture of Innovation and Ownership By Andrew Jordan
Why Schools Need Entrepreneurial Leadership When people hear the word “entrepreneur,” they often think of tech startups, business deals, or new product launches—not public schools. But after spending years as both a small business owner and a school administrator, I’ve come to believe that schools need entrepreneurial leadership now more than ever. The challenges we […]
The Future of Education Grants: How Funding Opportunities Can Transform Schools By Andrew Jordan, Ed.S.
Funding the Future of Learning In today’s educational landscape, the challenges facing schools are greater than ever—shrinking budgets, increasing student needs, and a growing demand for innovation. As a school leader who has worked at different levels of the education system, I’ve seen firsthand how resource limitations can slow progress. Schools that are underfunded tend […]