Fall Down, Stand Up

Starting out as a principal is a lot like starting out as a new teacher. You feel alone. You need guidance. And you have to provide leadership even when you don’t feel sure of yourself. You also make mistakes. In Fall Down, Stand Up: Advice for Aspiring Principals, Russ Thompson provides guidance for future principals based upon his experiences as the principal of three urban high schools in Los Angeles. Practical suggestions are provided for creating an orderly school climate, improving classroom instruction, ensuring effective school operations, providing thoughtful leadership, and working with people. Every principal makes mistakes and falls down. This book is about standing up, becoming better, and working to create schools where all students learn at the highest levels.