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. Its purpose is to help teachers develop better methods for working with gifted children in their classrooms. The program is designed to help teachers provide appropriate education for their gifted students, provide leadership in gifted education, and develop in students a heightened sense of social responsibility in the use of their talents.

The Fellowship Program was established in honor of Connie Belin. Mrs. Belin was a dedicated leader in education in the State of Iowa and in particular, a leader furthering the cause of gifted education. In addition to her work as a teacher, school board member, member of the state Board of Regents, and member of the Presidents Commission on Presidential Scholars, she served on the board of the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association (ITAG) and on the Iowa State Department of Public Instruction Advisory Committee on Programs for the Gifted and Talented. When Mrs. Belin passed away in 1980, the Fellowship Program was established that year with a generous gift from her friends, Myron and Jacqueline Blank.

In 2000, the name of the program changed to officially recognize the continuing support and dedication of Jacqueline Blank. Jacqueline N. Blank, along with her husband, Myron Blank, had an impressive history of public service and philanthropy. The Blanks are the co-founders of the Belin-Blank Center, and they have been recognized as "Outstanding Friends of the University" by The University of Iowa. Mrs. Blank served as Trustee for the Des Moines Art Center, was a member of the Advisory Board for The University of Iowa Foundation, and was Honorary Co-Chair of Variety Club Telethon. She was also Honorary Co-Chair of the Belin-Blank Center Advisory Board.

During the spring, teachers selected for the Fellowship program will receive books, materials, and assignments. During the following summer, an intensive seven-day workshop will be held at The University of Iowa; each participant receives two graduate credit hours upon successful completion of this class.

For more information please contact:
Dr. Laurie Croft, Administrator for Professional Development
laurie-croft@uiowa.edu
1-800-336-6463 or 319-335-6148