Beyond the Bell: How Extracurricular Activities Shape Future Leaders in Rural Schools By Andrew Jordan, Vermilion County, IL
Learning Happens Beyond the Classroom When people think about education, they often focus on what happens inside the classroom. They think about lessons, assessments, grades, and academic achievement. While those things are certainly important, some of the most valuable learning experiences happen after the final bell rings. Throughout my career in education, I have seen […]
Small School Advantage: Why Rural Districts Are Quietly Leading Education Innovation
Rethinking What Small Schools Can Do When people talk about innovation in education, they often point to large districts with big budgets, advanced technology, and specialized programs. But in my experience as an education leader, some of the most meaningful and practical innovation is happening in small rural schools. These schools may not always have […]
Turning Oakwood Into Opportunity: Reflections on a Community Win
A New Chapter for Oakwood As an education leader, few moments are as rewarding as seeing a community asset transformed into an opportunity for students. Recently, our district approved the sale of the former Oakwood Junior High School to Cunningham Children’s Home. The building will be converted into a therapeutic day school through the CIRCLE […]
Rural School Leadership Strategies: How Small Districts Can Drive Big Results
Embracing the Advantages of Small Districts Working in rural schools has taught me that small districts have unique advantages. We may not have the large budgets or extensive staff of bigger districts, but we have flexibility, close-knit communities, and the ability to make decisions quickly. These factors allow us to implement changes that can have […]
Leadership Lessons from the Court: Coaching Strategies That Improve School Culture
How Coaching Shaped My Leadership Approach When I started coaching youth basketball, I thought it was just about teaching kids how to shoot, dribble, and pass. Over time, I realized coaching teaches much more. It teaches leadership, patience, communication, and the importance of building a strong culture. Those same lessons apply to running a school. […]
Beyond the Principal’s Office: Why Community Partnerships Drive Modern School Success
The Power of Community in Schools When I first started as a principal, I thought my role was mostly about managing the building, the staff, and the students. I quickly learned that the real impact comes from looking beyond the walls of the school. Strong community partnerships have the power to transform learning environments, support […]
From Assistant to Superintendent: Scaling Leadership Skills Across Every Role in Education
Education is a journey, and leadership within schools follows a similar path. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles, from assistant principal to principal and eventually superintendent. Each position has its own challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities, yet the core skills required for effective leadership remain consistent. Understanding […]
Mentorship Matters: Building a Pipeline of Future Leaders in Education
In education, leadership is often thought of as the work of principals, superintendents, and district administrators. While these roles are critical, the future of schools depends on creating a strong pipeline of leaders at every level. Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the next generation of educators is prepared, confident, […]
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 […]