Schedule

Year 1: Deep Learning Interactive Learning Modules

  • 30–90 minutes of Lab Prep before each Zoom session (readings, journaling, peer reflection)

  • Five 2-hour live Wisdom Labs (synchronous, protocol-based workshops)

  • Ongoing Wisdom Field Work, where leaders apply tools to their actual challenges

Year 2: Execution & Brokering Interactive Learning Modules

  • 30–60 minutes of context based Problem Identification and framing before Zoom session 

  • Six 60-minute team sessions across Fall and Spring

  • Real-time coaching, team-based implementation, and collaborative problem-solving

Year 3: PWAL Fellows Networked Community of Practice 

  • Quarterly convenings to stay connected, share cases, and mentor others

  • Continued learning through the national CoP, podcast, and resource library
    Optional licensure to facilitate and scale PWAL beyond their own schools

Sessions are focused, high-value, and structured to support—not compete with—the real work of school leadership.

“This is the only place I come where I can think clearly about what matters most.”
—PWAL School Leader 2024


Leader

Karen E. Bohlin, EdD is Director of the Practical Wisdom Project at the Abigail Adams Institute and a Research Affiliate at Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program. A seasoned educator and school leader, she brings over 30 years of experience in secondary and higher education, including serving as head of Montrose School, where she led a nationally recognized character and leadership initiative.

An internationally respected voice in character education and applied virtue ethics, Dr. Bohlin is co-author of Building Character in Schools and developer of tools like The Courageous Dialogue Toolkit for school leaders. She has consulted with ministries of education, shaped national policy, and co-founded the Kern Partners in Character and Educational Leadership.

As Principal of the Practical Wisdom Group, Dr. Bohlin leads the Practical Wisdom for Agile Leadership Fellowship, equipping school teams with the mindset and practices to lead flourishing schools. A dynamic speaker and mentor, she continues to support educators through executive coaching, on-site PD, and communities of practice across the country.

Program Cost

Due to a generous sponsorship by the John Templeton Foundation, the program fee is completely waived for school leadership teams. 


Who Can Apply?

Teams of 4-6 school leaders at schools that have a strong emphasis on character development. Leadership teams must include school principals or heads of school with at least 2 years in that role and may also include assistant heads, deans, directors of instruction, and other faculty or administrators responsible for decision-making that shapes adult practice and student culture. 


Program Deadlines

The deadline to apply for the 2025-2027 cohort is August 22, 2025. 

The application is available here:

If you have any questions please reach out to pwal@abigailadamsinstitute.org.