Habits of Mind Primer: Cultivating Real Life Behaviors and Skills

Build student persistence, independent thinking, empathy, and problem-solving through daily instruction.

Led by our team of Instructional Strategists

Learning Path

Last Updated

Oct 22, 2026

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Designed for School Leaders asking...

How can we strengthen students’ persistence and independent problem-solving when they encounter academic challenges?

How do we build staff capacity to teach and model the Habits of Mind consistently within daily instruction?

How can we cultivate empathy and thoughtful responses to challenges to strengthen school climate?

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“One of the best, if not the best, presenters I’ve ever had in a professional development session. So knowledgeable and I learned so much that I can apply to my classroom to help my students."

Educator

North Bergen

Delivering Powerful Learning Experiences

As a result of this work

As a result of this work, educators will be able to teach and model the 16 Habits of Mind within daily instruction to strengthen students’ persistence, independent thinking, empathy, and problem-solving. Participants will leave with practical strategies for integrating these habits into classroom routines and school communities to help students navigate academic and personal challenges.

Workshop Description

This workshop introduces participants to the 16 Habits of Mind—key mental dispositions that support students' success in both school and life. Through practical strategies and engaging activities, educators will learn how to teach and model these habits to help students navigate academic and personal challenges. The session emphasizes integration into daily instruction, not as an add-on, but as a foundation for promoting persistence, independent thinking, empathy, and problem-solving. Participants will walk away equipped to foster these essential habits in their classrooms and school communities.

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Designed for Today's Schools

Customized
Expert-led
In-person, virtual, or asynchronous
Standards Aligned
Research-Based
Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will confidently integrate the 16 Habits of Mind into daily instruction and classroom routines, teaching and reinforcing behaviors that strengthen students’ persistence, self-regulation, empathy, and willingness to take academic risks. This work supports district priorities by promoting student engagement, social-emotional growth, and supportive learning environments that advance academic success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your workshops different from traditional professional development or other providers?
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Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all professional development. We hold ourselves to rigorous standards of quality and delivery in every client interaction, ensuring that each experience is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. We don’t just deliver workshops—we build long-term partnerships with schools and districts, working alongside educators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes over time.

We actively listen to educators’ unique contexts and experiences, using that insight to collaboratively design tailored solutions rather than pre-packaged sessions. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and continuously learns so we can help redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.

Above all, we communicate authentically, foster positive and productive relationships, and bring a deep passion and commitment to education. The result is professional learning that feels purposeful, personalized, and truly transformative.

Who are your workshops designed for?
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Our workshops are designed for educators and school leaders, including teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district teams. Each session is tailored to the specific audience to ensure content is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

What does a typical workshop look like?
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Our workshops are interactive, engaging, and grounded in real classroom practice. Each experience is intentionally designed using the principles of andragogy, sound instructional design, and the core constructs of effective professional development to ensure relevance, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in discussion, reflection, planning, and application activities — not just passive listening. Educators leave with concrete strategies and next steps they can implement right away.

How long are your workshops?
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We offer flexible formats, including half-day, full-day, and multi-session series. We can also design ongoing professional learning experiences to support sustained implementation over time.

What delivery methods are available for your workshops?
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We offer flexible delivery options to meet the needs of schools and districts, including in-person sessions, live virtual workshops, and asynchronous learning through our applied learning platform. Regardless of format, all experiences are designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative, with structures that promote meaningful participation and application of learning.

What kind of follow-up support is available?
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We believe professional learning is most effective when it’s sustained. In addition to workshops, we offer instructional coaching, implementation planning, and follow-up sessions to help teams translate learning into practice and drive meaningful results.

Who facilitates the workshops?
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Inspired Instruction’s workshops are facilitated by a nationwide team of expert Instructional Strategists.  Our facilitators bring diverse experience as classroom educators, instructional coaches, principals, directors, and superintendents, spanning all content areas. We thoughtfully match your specific needs with a facilitator whose expertise aligns to ensure the learning experience is relevant, practical, and impactful for your staff.

How much does it cost to bring a workshop to my school or district?
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We offer a range of pricing options designed to meet the needs of different schools and districts. Our Client Directors work closely with you to understand your goals, scope, and budget, and will partner with you to design a high-quality professional learning experience that fits within your financial framework.

Need a thought partner?

Work With Our Solution Team of Experienced Educators

Our team works alongside school and district leaders to tackle challenges and stay aligned to your goals.

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Jane Bons
Jessica O'Hara
Michele Regan
Chad Melnick
Jaclyn Siano
Steve Vanschoick
Aaron Schwartz
Dhara Patel
Michele Regan
Talk With An Expert