How one Illinois superintendent is expanding free professional development opportunities for educators across the state.
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A Statewide Commitment to Teacher Growth
Andrew Jordan knows that student success starts with strong teachers. That’s why he serves on the state committee for the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program, or IMSAP, an initiative that provides $80,000 of free professional development to schools across Illinois.
“The best investment we can make in our students is to invest in our educators,” Jordan explains. His work with IMSAP reflects a core belief that professional growth opportunities shouldn’t be limited by a school’s budget or zip code.
The program removes financial barriers that often prevent smaller or rural districts from accessing high-quality training. By delivering professional development at no cost to participating schools, IMSAP levels the playing field and ensures that teachers in every corner of Illinois can strengthen their craft.
Jordan’s involvement extends beyond committee meetings. As a presenter at the Raising Student Achievement State Academic Conference, he shares practical strategies that help educators translate professional development into classroom results.
Building on a Track Record of Innovation
Jordan’s commitment to educator support is grounded in his own experience as a school leader. During his tenure as Principal at Donovan CUSD #3, he earned the Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year award in 2022, recognition that highlighted his focus on both student achievement and staff development.
His approach to professional learning has consistently emphasized accessibility and impact. Before joining the IMSAP state committee, Jordan led a $60,000 library remodel that transformed a traditional space into a Media Center Learning Space for Students, creating an environment where both students and staff could explore new learning tools and methods.
Jordan also secured a High Impact Tutoring Grant through Illinois State University from 2022 to 2024, bringing targeted academic support to students while providing teachers with training in evidence-based intervention strategies. In 2024, he was awarded a $210,693 Stronger Connections Grant through the Illinois State Board of Education, further expanding resources available to his school community.
Creating Pathways for Peer Learning
One of IMSAP’s strengths is its ability to connect educators across districts, something Jordan sees as essential in today’s education landscape. Teachers in small rural schools often lack the built-in professional learning communities found in larger districts. IMSAP creates those connections, allowing educators to share challenges, exchange solutions, and learn from one another.
Jordan’s own career path illustrates the value of continuous learning. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 2010, he went on to complete master’s degrees from Western Illinois University in 2014 and 2019, then pursued additional graduate work at the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2020. This dedication to his own professional growth informs his work supporting other educators.
His background also includes service on Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting’s Educational Committee, where he provides frontline perspective on policy decisions affecting teachers and students.
From the Court to the Classroom
Jordan’s commitment to community engagement predates his education career. Born on September 18, 1986, in Stockton, Illinois, he was the quarterback for Stockton High School’s team in the State Championship Game in fall 2004. That early experience with teamwork and high-stakes performance shaped his leadership philosophy.
After graduating from Highland Community College in 2007, Jordan channeled his athletic interests into community building. He founded and managed the Stockton 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which he ran for 15 years, raising and donating over $50,000 to local causes. He also co-owned J3 Timing and the Wine Run 5K with his brother Tom before selling the businesses to focus on his education career.
Jordan served as a representative on the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 1A/2A All-State voting committee from 2014 to 2016, bringing the same attention to recognizing talent and achievement that he now applies to educator development.
A Holistic Approach to School Leadership
As Superintendent, Jordan has demonstrated that professional development works best when it’s part of a larger vision for school improvement. His work with IMSAP doesn’t exist in isolation. It connects to his efforts around student mental health, academic intervention, and community partnership.
The Stronger Connections Grant he secured addresses the social and emotional needs of students, an area where teacher training is critical. The High Impact Tutoring Grant provided not just services for struggling students, but also professional learning for the staff implementing those interventions.
Jordan’s approach reflects an understanding that professional development must be relevant, practical, and connected to the real challenges educators face every day. IMSAP’s model of free, accessible training aligns perfectly with that philosophy.
When he’s not focused on education, Jordan enjoys basketball, golf, hiking, and running. He is a member and president of Watseka Masonic Lodge #446, which connects to his service on the Illinois Grand Masonic Lodge state committee for IMSAP.
Expanding Access, Raising Achievement
The impact of Jordan’s work with IMSAP extends far beyond any single district. By serving on the state committee, he helps shape how professional development is designed, delivered, and evaluated across Illinois. His voice ensures that the program remains responsive to the needs of school leaders who are implementing its training.
Jordan’s career trajectory from Assistant Principal at West Prairie CUSD #103 to Principal for four years and Superintendent for two years at Donovan CUSD #3 has given him perspective on what educators need at every level. That experience informs his contributions to IMSAP and his broader advocacy for teacher support.
As Illinois continues to face challenges around educator retention and rural school sustainability, initiatives like IMSAP become even more vital. By removing cost barriers and creating peer learning networks, the program helps ensure that every teacher has the opportunity to grow, regardless of where they teach.
Jordan’s leadership in this space demonstrates that when we invest in educators, we invest in every student they will teach throughout their career. It’s a multiplier effect that creates lasting change.
About Andrew Jordan
He serves on the state committee for the Illinois Masonic Student Assistance Program and as a participant on Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting’s Educational Committee. Jordan earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University. He received the Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year award in 2022 and has secured more than $270,000 in state and university grants for student programs. A native of Stockton, Illinois, Jordan resides in Illinois.
