GFF -- Jordan

Before I get into this weeks GFF post, I wanted to say that I am often critical of public education and of many of the people involved in it. The reason for that is they deserve the criticism. That isn't the whole story of education or of educators. A great many good people become teachers or principles because they genuinely like kids and seeing them learn and grow. With that in mind, I give you Susan Jordan.

From myfox8.com

So often, words are left unspoken. People never get around to saying how much they appreciate someone.

Not so for Susan Jordan, the principal at an Indiana elementary school, who died saving the lives of her students Tuesday.

While she was hailed as heroic after her death for the way she sacrificed herself to save others, Jordan knew in life how much she was truly admired.

Last May, the students and staff at Amy Beverland Elementary School told her exactly how they felt about her in a video.

But its the video that really pulls at the heartstrings following Jordan's death. It seems the whole school takes part.

"She is everything I want to be when I grow up," says one adult woman. "She is kind. She's caring. She's compassionate. She's loving. She's sincere, and she's a professional. She makes all of us want to be even better."

Says another woman: "She's the definition of wonderful."

And then there's the kids.

What does Jordan stand for?

J -- is for joyful to be around.

O -- is for organized in all you do.

R -- is for radiant, because you, Mrs. Jordan, are radiant.

D -- is for demanding because you demand we do our best every day.

A -- is for awesome because you're an awesome principal.

N -- is for nice because you're always nice to work with.

The video ends with: "We love you Mrs. Jordan! ...Thank you for the many years of leadership!" 

That acronym may seem like the product of some cheesy forth grade kids imagination.  Which in a way is probably what it is.  Then again it is also the highest level of praise a 10 year old is likely to come up with.  Which makes it particularly fitting for a women who saved two 10 year old students and died as a result.

Those words of praise represent their best.  Which is what you gave in life Susan Jordan.  Tuesday, when the need arose to protect your kids from a terrible accident you gave everything you had.  I sault you and raise my glass in honor of Susan Jordan.