From the Sidelines to the Superintendent’s Office: Andrew Jordan’s Story

Andrew Jordan grew up in Stockton, Illinois. It’s a quiet town, the kind of place where people know your name. He played football in high school and led his team to the state championship in 2004 as their quarterback.

“That season taught me what teamwork really means,” Andrew says. “It also taught me how to lose with your head up.”

That mindset would follow him through college, grad school, and into his career in education.

Finding His Path in Education

After high school, Andrew went to Highland Community College, graduating in 2007. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Northern Illinois University in 2010. Then he went on to earn two master’s degrees from Western Illinois University and later continued professional development at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

“I never wanted to stop learning,” he says. “The more I learned, the more I realized how much work there is to do in education.”

He started as an assistant principal. Then, after several years in the field, he became a principal. Eventually, he became superintendent of Donovan CUSD #3.

Building Support from the Ground Up

One thing that stands out about Andrew’s leadership is how much time he spends listening. He says that’s the only way to learn what a school really needs.

“People assume leaders do all the talking,” he explains. “But the best stuff I’ve learned came from listening—to teachers, to parents, to students.”

That listening led to action. Andrew helped secure over $200,000 through the Stronger Connections Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education in 2024. He also brought in a High-Impact Tutoring Grant through Illinois State University from 2022 to 2024.

“These grants didn’t come easy,” he says. “It took planning and trust. But they helped us build programs that actually serve kids.”

One result was a remodeled school library that now works as a media and learning space.

Hands-On Leadership

Andrew doesn’t just sit behind a desk. He gets involved at every level—from school funding to student safety to professional development. He’s part of the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program (IMSAP), which brings free training and resources to schools across the state.

He also presents at state education conferences and works with local leaders, including State Representative Jason Bunting’s educational committee.

“It’s not about being in charge,” Andrew says. “It’s about being useful.”

He believes that good leadership means showing up, even when it’s hard. “Sometimes you walk into a room with no easy answers. That’s still your job.”

A Life Outside the Office

Before becoming a school leader, Andrew and his brother ran two businesses: J3 Timing and the Wine Run 5K. They sold both, but the experience stayed with him.

“Running a business taught me how to work with people. It also taught me how to take risks,” he says.

He also organized the Stockton 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for 15 years. The event raised over $50,000 for the local community.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys basketball, golf, hiking, and running. He’s also active in the Watseka Masonic Lodge #446, where he currently serves as president.

Owning the Whole Journey

Not every job Andrew took was easy. His time at West Carroll CUSD #314 had challenges, and he acknowledges that openly.

“Every experience teaches you something,” he says. “Even the hard stuff matters. Especially the hard stuff.”

He also served as a principal and assistant principal in other districts, slowly gaining the trust and knowledge that prepared him for leadership.

“I’ve worked in places that had very little. But even there, we found ways to make a difference.”

A Simple Philosophy

When asked what keeps him going, Andrew keeps it simple.

“I just try to do what’s right for kids,” he says. “That’s really it.”

He doesn’t see himself as a big deal. He says his job is mostly about showing up, listening, and following through.

“You don’t have to be perfect,” he adds. “You just have to care, and keep trying.”

Looking Ahead

Andrew Jordan’s story is about small steps. It’s not flashy. But it’s steady. From quarterback to educator to superintendent, he’s built a career around responsibility, service, and growth.

His journey shows that leadership doesn’t always come with big speeches or titles. Sometimes, it starts on the sideline. Sometimes, it’s just someone paying attention—and stepping up.