Martha Lopez

Dr. Martha Aracely López

Gifted & Talented Instructional Coach

Milwaukee Public School District

[email protected]

Lessons Learned

• One main lesson learned was the importance of increasing understanding and acceptance of twice-exceptional (2e) students as a way to reduce stigma, exclusion, and bullying behaviors. I have visited many classrooms to educate teachers and students about the strengths, challenges, and unique characteristics of twice-exceptional learners. These conversations helped foster more respectful peer interactions and created safer, more inclusive classroom environments for students with disabilities.
• Another lesson learned from my 2e empathy lessons was the profound impact that increased awareness of sensory needs had on both teachers and students. As awareness spread, empathy, patience, and kindness became noticeably stronger. Teachers shared that students became more intentional about preventing teasing, exclusion, and bullying by actively supporting classmates with disabilities and helping create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
• A final lesson learned was the powerful shift in how students supported one another by valuing diverse ways of thinking and learning. Teachers reported that students began embracing my motto, “All brains are welcomed here,” to promote acceptance, belonging, respect for learning differences, and bully prevention. This culture of inclusion encouraged students to stand up for peers, celebrate differences, and contribute to a more compassionate school community. 

Resources Developed

• 2e Empathy Books. Using Javits Grant funds, we purchased 50 sets of these books to promote empathy, inclusion, and bully prevention for twice-exceptional (2e) students. I visit classrooms to spread awareness about the unique needs and brilliance of twice-exceptional learners while helping students better understand how differences in learning, behavior, and sensory needs can impact school experiences. I selected each book based on the diversity of disorders and disabilities experienced by 2e students. Additionally, I strategically selected books that represented diverse cultural backgrounds and identities to ensure students could see themselves and others reflected in the stories.
• 2e Empathy Lesson Plan and Discussion Questions. I designed a 45-minute lesson plan for teachers to continue spreading awareness about twice-exceptional students while reinforcing empathy, kindness, inclusion, and bully prevention. Along with the lessons, there are five discussion questions and guiding purposes to help students reflect on how they can support, include, and advocate for peers with learning differences and disabilities.
• 2e Empathy Lesson Data. This one-pager highlights the impact of the 2e empathy lessons on students and teachers following my classroom visits. The data demonstrates increased awareness, empathy, inclusive behaviors, and a stronger commitment among students to prevent bullying and support classmates with disabilities.

Suggested Resources

• Julie Skolnick’s book Gifted and Distractible about Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for your Twice Exceptional Child.
• Dr. Susan Baum’s book To Be Gifted & Learning Disabled  
• The Neurodiversity Podcast with Emily Kircher-Morris

Collaborative Areas of Interest

• Supporting girls with ADHD.
• Thrice-exceptional students including English Learners.
• Spreading awareness, building empathy, and classroom inclusivity.