The Belin-Blank Advanced Learner Institute (B-BALI) is back! It is a full day (face-to-face) institute that builds the capacity in meeting the needs of advanced learners for K-8 educators through a specific focus on practical instructional ideas, social & emotional learning, the unique needs of rural and small- town schools, and opportunity for networking among participants.

B-BALI will be held on the campus of the University of Iowa on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

I wish I could effectively express how much I needed this learning. Coming home refreshed, energized and ready to take on my sphere of influence - that is powerful.

Belin-Blank Center Professional Learning Participant

2025 Keynote Speaker

Erin Lane, Ph.D.

Register Now

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FAQ

About B-BALI

The Belin-Blank Advanced Learner Institute (B-BALI) is a one day intensive professional learning opportunity for K-8 educators on the campus of the University of Iowa. The Belin-Blank Center and the Baker Teacher Leader Center have partnered together to offer an event with a variety of relevant and practical ideas related to advanced learners and meeting their needs. A host of presenters (many of which are currently in schools) will be sharing their expertise on topics that will better equip you to meet the needs of advanced learners. Some key areas covered at B-BALI include collaboration, differentiation, educator resiliency, museum archives (use of), rural schools, social and emotional needs, talent scouting, and twice-exceptionality. The purpose and intended outcomes for its participants are listed below. 

Purpose: To facilitate an engaging professional learning experience that builds the capacity in meeting the needs of advanced learners for K-8 educators through a specific focus on practical instructional ideas, social & emotional learning, the unique needs of rural and small- town schools, and opportunity for networking among participants. 

Intended Outcomes: 

*Acquire practical ideas to better meet the needs of advanced learners 

*Foster advocacy for advanced learners 

*Understand the unique social and emotional needs of advanced learners 

*Provide opportunities to network with like-minded colleagues  

*Inspire the development of a personal professional goal that envelopes 

enhancement of instructional practice to better meet the needs of advanced learners 

The format of the event will provide for an engaging day! There will be a welcome and closing session, break-out sessions, networking opportunities, and a key note speaker. Because of the variety of break-out sessions, participants will be able to choose a topic that fits their professional needs best.

During the scheduled networking lunch, there will be several Resource Spotlights. At these spotlights, individuals from the Acceleration Institute, the Baker Teacher Leader Center, the Belin-Blank Center, the College of Education Graduate Programs, and the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health will be available to discuss opportunities and resources.

Interested individuals may register and participate in one of three ways:

1) Attend the one-day B-BALI for the learning,

2) Attend the one-day B-BALI for the learning and earn one Iowa Licensure Renewal Unit (ILRU), or

3) Attend the one-day B-BALI for the learning and earn one university credit. (Please note: participants may earn one ILRU and one university credit. There is an additional registration process and fee for university credit. If you are interested in more information on the ILRU or the one university credit option, please visit the "ILRU & Academic Credit" link on this page.

In summary, B-BALI will be an energizing day with lots of ideas that you can bring back to your classroom or school to better meet the needs of advanced learners. Come learn with us! 

If you have any questions about B-BALI, don't hesitate to contact us at educators@belinblank.org.


Date & Location

B-BALI will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at UI's Lindquist Center (College of Education). The Lindquist Center is located at the corner of Burlington Street and Madison Street (240 S Madison St, Iowa City, IA 52242).

B-BALI will run 830AM CST to 5:15PM CST. (Registration check-in will begin at 730AM CST.)

Directions

If you have any questions about B-BALI, don't hesitate to contact us at educators@belinblank.org.

Event Schedule

View the full schedule.

ILRU's & Academic Credit

Iowa Licensure Renewal Unit

All B-BALI participants can receive 1 Iowa Licensure Renewal Unit (ILRU) included with their registration fee. Educators outside of Iowa who wish to use this learning experience for licensure renewal credit may also register to receive a certificate but must check with their administrator or licensure governing body for credit approval. To Earn 1 ILRU:

  1. Attend the entire on-campus Belin-Blank Advanced Learner Institute on July 15, 2026.
  2. Complete all requirements of the online course by August 15, 2026: 
    1. Session Log: one entry for each breakout session you attend and the keynote presentation. Each entry should include:
      • a summary of the information shared (a minimum of two paragraphs)
      • how you might be able to use the information in your local setting
      • questions or wonderings about the session
    2. Share your professional goal for B-BALI (why did you attend?). Please include:
      • How B-BALI supported progress toward your goal
      • Your next steps toward reaching this goal
      • The intended outcome you are seeking
      • The resources & support you need
      • How will you celebrate your success along the way
    3. Create one lesson focused on meeting the needs of advanced learners using the learning from B-BALI - Tiered Lesson Plan Template

University of Iowa Credit

B-BALI participants may earn university credit (and/or an Iowa Licensure Renewal Units). Educators who register for B-BALI may pursue either undergraduate or graduate level academic credit (additional fees and registration required).

  1. university credit is not included in the cost of B-BALI
  2. there are additional requirements beyond completing the ILRU requirements
  3. it will be easiest if you complete the university registration before arriving at B-BALI
  4. payment will go to the University of Iowa directly when registering
  5. you will be taking the course in the summer, but it will be listed as a fall course on transcripts.

To Earn 1 University of Iowa Credit

  1. If you do not have a University of Iowa HawkID, apply to Distance & Online Education.
  2. Follow the instructions in the email you'll receive from the Office of Admissions. Then, log into MyUI and register for BBC/PSQF:5194 Continuing Education Individual Study (1 semester hour)
  3. Complete the university credit requirements in the online course by August 15.

Cost & Cancellation Policy

We have purposely aimed to set the registration cost at a nominal level to make the event as accessible as possible for educators. It includes:

  • full day attendance to B-BALI
  • the event program (a physical copy!)
  • continental breakfast (with coffee)
  • and afternoon snacks

Parking, lunch, and lodging costs are the responsibility of the attendee. If you're interested in lodging, which includes free parking, let us know! The Graduate Hotel in downtown Iowa City is offering a great deal!

There will be a $50 cancellation fee for requests received up to three weeks (June 25 by 12PM CST) before the start of B-BALI. Unfortunately, there are no refunds after this date.

If you have any questions about B-BALI, don't hesitate to contact us at educators@belinblank.org

Lodging & Parking

Lodging (Graduate Hotel)

The Belin-Blank Center has organized a special $114 rate (parking IS included) for B-BALI attendees at the Graduate Hotel (210 S. Dubuque St, Iowa City), which is walking distance to the Lindquist Center, the campus, and downtown. This per day parking savings and room rate are available Tuesday and Wednesday nights, July 14 and 15, 2026.


Here are some helpful tips about the property: 

  • Our Check in time is any time after 4:00PM  
  • Check out will be any time before 11:00AM

  • Parking will be complimentary for all hotel guests

  • Our GYM fitness center is open 24/7 and complimentary for our guests
  • Poindexter Coffee Shop serves breakfast and lunch options.
  • Wilder Bar & Restaurant is open for dinner

When you call and make a reservation, you can adjust the dates of your stay.

Use this LINK to register online. The dates are automatically populated in the booking link referenced above. Should your guests choose to stay for more than one night, they can simply adjust the arrival and departure dates and the rate will still populate. 


Direct Booking Link: https://book.passkey.com/event/51204063/owner/50921196/landing

Group Code: BBALI

Booking Link Expires: 6/14/2026


Guests are also welcome to call the Reservations department at (319) 337-4058 and use the code B-BALI. . Simply reference the group codes mentioned above, depending on your travel dates.   

Website

Directions

Parking for B-BALI (Capitol Street Ramp)

B-BALI participants are encouraged to park in the Capitol Street Ramp located in the Old Capitol Town Center (220S N Capitol St, Iowa City, IA 52240). The first hour in the ramp is FREE and then it is $2 per hour. Parking is NOT included in the registration cost for B-BALI.

Directions

If you have any questions about B-BALI, don't hesitate to contact us at educators@belinblank.org.

Contact Us

Questions? For the fastest response, please email educators@belinblank.org.