The Complexity and Joy of Teaching at Lang: A Dynamic Approach to Twice-Exceptional Learners

Teaching at The Lang School is far from conventional. At Lang, the role of a teacher embraces and extends beyond conventional ideas about instruction. For us, teaching is grounded in understanding the complexity of each student’s profile, offering personalized learning experiences, and creating an environment where growth, resilience, and collaboration flourish. At the heart of this approach is the commitment to helping twice-exceptional (2e) students—those who are gifted yet face significant learning disabilities and challenges—to realize their full potential.

A Holistic Approach to Teaching: More than Just Instruction

Teaching at The Lang School means embracing an innovative, personalized approach to education. Lang teachers are not simply instructors; they are facilitators, mentors, and advocates. They bring patience, adaptability, and creativity to every lesson, knowing that each student’s path to success is uniquely their own.

At Lang, students display an extraordinary range of strengths, interests, and challenges. This requires flexibility and deep understanding from their teachers, who create collective and individualized learning experiences that allow students to shine. This helps our students to develop confidence as they gain a greater understanding of their strengths and challenges, often stepping out of their comfort zones to take risks and explore new ideas. They grow in self-awareness, self-regulation, and advocacy, taking ownership of their learning and personal growth.

The Challenges of Teaching 2e Learners

Despite the deep fulfillment that comes from working with 2e students, teaching at Lang comes with its own set of challenges. Our students' profiles are often complex, and teachers must navigate the intersection of exceptional talent and significant challenges in areas like executive functioning, sensory processing, or social-emotional regulation.

Crafting individualized learning experiences for each student while maintaining alignment with curriculum standards requires great flexibility and creativity. Teachers must balance high expectations for growth with the understanding that accommodations and flexibility are required to meet each student’s needs. This can involve designing personalized goals, implementing self-regulation techniques, and adapting to various learning styles.

Additionally, teachers must engage with families in a way that is both empathetic and informative. Navigating the varying levels of parental understanding and involvement is a complex process in and of itself, but open communication is key to building partnerships that support each child’s development.

Lastly, the emotional and mental demands of teaching 2e students can be intense, and burnout is a real risk. To counter this, The Lang School supports its educators with ongoing professional development, self-care initiatives, and a collaborative environment where staff can share insights and strategies.

Language and Systems That Inspire

To nurture growth and resilience, teachers at The Lang School employ specific language and systems designed to inspire students to aim high and believe in their potential. Strength-based feedback focuses on what students are doing well, building their confidence before addressing areas for improvement. The growth mindset is embedded in daily language, with phrases like “You’re not there yet” reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Collaboration is also at the heart of teaching at Lang. Teachers work closely with students to set challenging yet achievable goals, helping them take ownership of their progress. Restorative conversations foster emotional growth, guiding students through reflective dialogues when conflicts arise, and teaching them to learn from their experiences.

Consistency is critical to success. Teachers engage in regular discussions to align their language and strategies, ensuring that each student receives a consistent, intentional approach across all areas of their education.

Overcoming Challenges: Flexibility, Collaboration, and Reflection

Implementing these systems is not without its challenges. Some students may initially resist new structures or struggle to adapt to self-regulation practices. Time constraints also present an obstacle, as individualizing instruction and incorporating social-emotional learning frameworks can be time-intensive.

However, The Lang School’s teaching approach is dynamic and flexible. New protocols are introduced gradually, allowing students to adjust at their own pace. Teachers are encouraged to adapt timelines and approaches, ensuring that every student’s needs are met without compromising the quality of instruction.

Collaboration is essential in overcoming these challenges. Teachers work together in cross-disciplinary teams, meeting regularly to share insights and refine strategies. They also incorporate student feedback, using it to adjust their methods and increase student buy-in. This collaborative approach ensures that the system evolves with the needs of each student.

The Joy of Collaborative Teaching

While the work of teaching at The Lang School is demanding, it is also deeply rewarding. The sense of collaboration among staff, families, and students creates a supportive environment where everyone is invested in each child’s success. Teachers are part of a team that includes not only their fellow educators, but also therapists, counselors, psychologists, and specialists. This team-based approach ensures that every aspect of a student’s growth is addressed, and the support network is ever-present.

Professional development opportunities—ranging from peer-led workshops to cross-disciplinary team meetings—keep educators engaged and excited about their work. The result is a culture of continuous learning, not just for students, but for teachers as well.

A Rewarding Journey of Growth

Teaching at The Lang School is an experience defined by complexity and joy. The role requires deep empathy, adaptability, and commitment, but it also offers the incredible reward of seeing students grow into confident, self-aware individuals. Through intentional language, personalized learning experiences, and collaborative team efforts, teachers at Lang create an environment where 2e students can thrive.

Every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth—both for the students and for the teachers. The school’s mission of fostering resilience, collaboration, and personalized success creates a transformative experience for both students and educators. At The Lang School, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about building a community of learners who inspire each other to reach their full potential.