Professional development is a major focus of the Belin-Blank Center. Helping teachers learn to recognize,
encourage, and teach gifted and talented students results in more effective classrooms and all students in
a class benefit. The Belin-Blank Center has worked with hundreds of teachers nationwide, as well as from
several countries. Many of these teachers are now leading advocates for gifted education.
The 2007 Belin-Blank Advanced Leadership Institute (B-BALI) explores the needs, and ways to meet those needs,
of gifted English Language Learners (ELL). The Pre-Institute provides an overview of the understandings
required to work with either gifted learners or ELL, including unique concerns of students; major concepts;
and the terminology unique to each field.
Courses and Workshops are designed for University of Iowa graduate students as well as for educators
interested in continuing their education. These courses and workshops result in graduate credit for
participants and meet requirements for the Talented and Gifted Endorsement
as approved by the Iowa Department of Education. Courses are available in a variety of formats including
ICN, correspondence courses, summer workshops, and academic year courses. Courses and workshops meet
certification guidelines in many other states.
view fall course offerings
In Vertical Team Training, teachers learn to employ discipline-specific, age-appropriate examples to help students master fundamental skills and concepts. The Team articulates district curriculum from earlier grades through the Advanced Placement level; as well, each team member applies strategies to their lesson plans that increase student success.
There are four strands in the program for Talented and Gifted Endorsement: Psychology of the Gifted;
Programming for the Gifted; Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs; and Practicum experience
in gifted education. Courses are available in a variety of formats including ICN, correspondence courses,
summer workshops, and academic year courses. Courses and workshops meet certification guidelines in many
other states. more information
The University of Iowa is proud to announce a Nation's first. The School Counseling Program in the Department of
Counseling, Rehabilitation and Student Development has a new vision. A vision of inclusiveness in School
Counseling preparation. The School Counseling program has joined in partnership with The Connie Belin and
Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted and Talented Education to offer a school counseling degree
with an emphasis in gifted and talented education.
more information
To subscribe to the Gifted Teachers e-mail list, send an email to
LISTSERV@LIST.UIOWA.EDU and, in the text of your message (not the subject line), write: SUBSCRIBE
GIFTED-TEACHERS First-Name Last-Name
The Fellowship Program encompasses an individualized residential educational program, making it possible
for a select number of teachers, chosen by their schools, to receive specialized training in gifted
education. The Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for teachers to further their own training in
the area of gifted education. more information
HOP is designed for juniors and seniors in the UI College of Education who have a cumulative grade-point
average of 3.5 or higher. During their junior year, students enroll in an honors seminar, where they
learn about the research programs of faculty in the College of Education. During their senior year, each
student assists a faculty member in research and completes an honors research project. Students who
successfully complete the seminar and senior honors research project receive an HONORS designation on
their diploma. more information
In 2003, Area Education Agency (AEA) 267 received a three-year Teaching American History grant from the
U.S. Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement. The Teaching American History in
Iowa grant has produced a variety of lesson plans, encouraging students of all ages to learn more
about American history. more information
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