John Holland brings a multidisciplinary education to his teaching practice. He has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology from Humboldt State University, a Master of Science Degree in Instructional Design from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts Degree in English (with a specialty in Teaching Multilingual Students) from San Francisco State University. This multidimensional background forms the foundation of his evidence-based pedagogical practice. A first generation college student himself, John Holland imparts to his students the power of collaboration and persistence as tools for success. He stresses the power of peer learning, immediate feedback and frequent low-stakes writing tasks as a pathway to travel as his students practice the habits writers use to succeed both in school and in life. He believes that success in life comes not from what is found locked away in people's minds, but in the way they do their everyday work, in the way they rely upon strategic behaviors and habits of mind.