Research demonstrates that providing gifted children with in-school opportunities for accelerated learning and talent development with ability peers improves long-term academic achievement, creative accomplishment, and commitment to learning — and not doing so contributes to chronic underachievement, low self-esteem, and a lack of motivation and direction, especially among gifted students with learning disabilities (i.e., 2e students). 

 

At the heart of everything we do at Lang is talent development, which surfaces and stokes passions, provides structure and viability for big ideas, instills a sense of purpose and commitment, and, ultimately, develops gifts and grit.

 

Professional development (PD) — talent development for staff — is as vital to Lang's model as talent development for students. Our staff is invited to refine and reflect on their own skills and passions via ongoing in-house coaching and year-round PD both on campus and off. A school can only sustain a robust student talent development program with a growth mindset-oriented team of teachers continuously invited to develop their own strengths and talents.

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At The Lang School, faculty are not only educators, but designers of learning, stewards of student growth, and contributors to a collaborative professional community. Our work is relational, intentional, and grounded in deep respect for 2e learners. This is not about perfection, but about continuous growth in service of students and one another. Faculty at Lang “strive” to:

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1. Create Psychological Safety in the Classroom
   We create environments where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, and be fully themselves. We normalize struggle as part of learning and respond to students with empathy and curiosity.
    

2. Know and Advocate for Each Learner
   We deeply understand our students as individuals—academically, socially, and emotionally. We use that knowledge to differentiate instruction, anticipate needs, and advocate for what helps each student thrive.
    

3. Design Engaging, Rigorous, and Responsive Learning Experiences
   We plan intentionally, balancing challenge with support. We adjust in real time based on student needs, interests, and feedback, especially for 2e learners whose profiles are complex and dynamic.
    

4. Build and Maintain Trust with Students and Colleagues
   We are consistent, transparent, and respectful. We assume positive intent while addressing impact directly. We communicate proactively and avoid allowing misunderstandings to grow.
    

5. Engage in Productive Collaboration
   We work as one faculty, not as isolated classrooms. We share insights, strategies, and responsibility for students. We engage in healthy dialogue and use disagreement to strengthen our practice.
    

6. Hold High Expectations with Appropriate Support
   We believe students are capable of meaningful growth. We scaffold thoughtfully without lowering standards, helping students build both competence and confidence.
    

7. Be Dependable and Proactive
   We follow through on commitments and communicate early when challenges arise. We anticipate student needs and coordinate with colleagues to ensure continuity and coherence.
    

8. Partner with Families as Collaborators
   We communicate clearly, respectfully, and regularly with families. We seek to align around shared goals and approach differences with openness and professionalism.
    

9. Commit to Reflection and Professional Growth
   We seek feedback, reflect on our practice, and make adjustments. We stay curious and committed to improving our craft in service of students.
    

10. Embrace a “Whatever It Takes” Mindset for Students
    We recognize that supporting 2e learners requires flexibility, creativity, and persistence. We step in when needed and ask, “How can I help this student succeed?”

 

With highly credentialed faculty trained in gifted and special education who are content area masters and who understand our students' acceleration and support needs, students thrive at Lang. We take great pride in our staff's commitment to helping our students achieve their full potential, and we demonstrate that pride by investing heavily in our staff's achievement of their own full potential.