Grant Writing for Small Districts: Practical Strategies That Deliver Real Results
Why Small Districts Need a Strong Grant Strategy Working in a small district has taught me that every dollar counts. We do not have large budgets or extra staff to chase funding opportunities. Yet we face the same challenges as everyone else. We need updated technology, strong academic programs, and safe facilities. Grants have become […]
The Future of School Culture: Balancing Technology, Community, and Human Connection
School culture is the heart of every educational institution. It influences how students learn, how teachers teach, and how communities engage with schools. Over the past several years, I have witnessed dramatic changes in school culture driven by technology, evolving community expectations, and the increasing importance of human connection. As a principal, my goal has […]
The Leadership Lab: How Principals Can Use School Events to Develop Teacher and Student Leaders
When most people think of school events, they picture assemblies, fundraisers, or athletic competitions. What they might not see is the incredible leadership potential these events hold. Over the years, I have learned that school events can be much more than celebrations or activities. They can serve as real-world leadership labs, providing opportunities for both […]
The Playbook for Leadership: What School Principals Can Learn from Sports Strategy
By Andrew Jordan As someone who has spent much of my life on both the basketball court and in the principal’s office, I often find myself drawing parallels between sports and school leadership. The strategies that help a team succeed on the court—discipline, preparation, adaptability, and trust—are the very same principles that can transform a […]
Principal as CEO: Strategic Thinking for School Leaders in a Changing Educational Landscape By Andrew Jordan
Rethinking the Principal’s Role When people think of a school principal, they often picture a disciplinarian, an instructional coach, or someone who makes announcements over the intercom. While those elements are still part of the job, the role of a school leader has changed dramatically. Today’s principals need to think and act like CEOs—strategic thinkers […]
Beyond the Bell: Creating Real-World Learning Experiences That Prepare Students for Life By Andrew Jordan
Education That Extends Past the Classroom As a former entrepreneur turned school principal, I’ve always believed that education should do more than prepare students to pass a test or graduate on time—it should prepare them for life. That preparation doesn’t stop at academic content. It includes the ability to collaborate, solve problems, lead with confidence, […]
Crisis Management in Schools: Lessons in Leadership from the Business World By Andrew Jordan
Crises Test More Than Our Plans—They Test Our Leadership In education, crises come in many forms—weather emergencies, health scares, student safety incidents, staffing shortages, or even budget cuts. When I transitioned from the world of entrepreneurship to school leadership, I quickly realized that many of the crisis management strategies I used as a business owner […]
From Court to Classroom: How Coaching Principles Can Strengthen School Leadership By Andrew Jordan
The Coaching Mindset in Education Throughout my life, sports and education have been intimately linked. As someone who organized a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for 15 years and spent countless hours on both the court and in the classroom, I’ve come to see that many of the skills a great coach uses to guide a team […]
Career-Ready Classrooms: Bridging the Gap Between K–12 Education and the Workforce By Andrew Jordan
Why Career Readiness Matters Now More Than Ever When I first entered education, our focus was primarily on getting students to graduate. And while that remains a core goal, today’s world demands something more. It’s not just about crossing the stage with a diploma—it’s about stepping into the world with skills, confidence, and clarity about […]
From Data to Impact: How Principals Can Use Metrics to Drive Real School Improvement By Andrew Jordan
Why Data Matters in School Leadership In education, we’ve all heard the phrase “data-driven decision-making.” But for many school leaders, that phrase can feel vague or even overwhelming. With so many numbers, reports, and dashboards available, it’s easy to get lost in the data without ever using it to drive meaningful change. Using research based […]