IWP inservice programs all follow the same basic instructional philosophy and structure. Each of these courses may be given in mixed K-College groups or tailored to specific grade levels. Whatever the audience, each is an intensive workshop series led by a veteran classroom teacher experienced in staff development, and focuses on practical classroom applications and renewed energy for teaching. Most programs are designed as 15- or 30-hour series. Workshop series of other lengths can be arranged according to the needs and resources of the school or district.

While each course has a specific focus and well-planned activities, we also tailor all courses to the needs of the school or district, and the concerns of the participants. We build on each teacher's professional engagement in the workshops to generate a strong commitment to apply some of the methods shared in the program. Our experience and research show that teachers need not adopt one "right" set of practices, but rather to experiment with a few good ones, adapting ideas to their own students, school, curriculum, and personal teaching style.