Belin-Blank Fellowship
Multiple decades of experience have shown that the most effective way to ensure meaningful education for talented students is to provide a special program for classroom teachers. In this way, teachers develop the skills to work with talented students as well as the knowledge and skills to provide leadership for other teachers. Varying approaches to professional learning in gifted education exist, but no program provides the incentives for teachers, as well as the intensive individualized approach, offered by this prestigious fellowship program. The Belin-Blank Fellowship Program in Gifted Education makes it possible for a select number of teachers, nominated by their schools, to receive specialized training in gifted education.
About the Program
The Belin-Blank Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for educators to learn more about the area of gifted education. Its purpose is to help teachers learn better methods for working with talented children in their classrooms. The program is designed to help educators provide an appropriate program for talented students, develop in students a heightened sense of social responsibility in the use of their talents, and provide leadership in gifted education.
The Belin-Blank Fellowship Program is residential and will take place in the Blank Honors Center (at the University of Iowa) from July 15 – 18, 2024.
Application Opens - February 1
Application Closes - April 1
The specific goals of the Belin-Blank Fellowship Program are to help participants:
- Learn effective new ways to recognize gifted/talented students and meet their unique affective needs;
- Enhance their abilities to meet the different academic needs of gifted/talented students;
- Act as an effective resource in gifted education for other educators in their schools and districts;
- Review their new knowledge and skills for applications to ALL youngsters in their classes;
- Nurture the sense of social responsibility in the use and development of talents among gifted students.
Fellowship holders will be expected to:
- Complete all preliminary writing assignments and readings required by the instructor;
- Organize and/or support research that is designed to enhance his/her own teaching and further the goals of the Belin-Blank Fellowship Program;
- Make her/his classroom available to colleagues, administrators, and other educators for observations of new strategies;
- Plan and implement new ideas and instructional techniques for gifted students in his or her classroom;
- Lead others in the district to help develop a greater understanding of gifted students;
- Educate others by providing substantive in-services supporting the needs of gifted learners in the district;
- Try to keep current on new literature and developments in gifted education;
- Enjoy the full four days of the Fellowship experience!
This experience will certainly allow me to begin the next step of my career with knowledge and confidence. The Belin-Blank Fellowship is a game changer for me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward. Here's all the information you'll need to submit your application.
All application materials must be submitted online by late April 2023.
Here's how to apply:
- Complete the online application.
- Have your administrator submit a statement of support for your participation (submit here).
- Share the following expectations with your administrator. Administrators of participating schools should provide the following for Fellowship holders:
- Higher levels of support for Fellowship teachers to participate in leadership roles in their schools/districts regarding gifted education
- Encouragement and release time for Fellowship holders to attend the annual state conference for gifted education or the National Association for Gifted Children Conference
- Letter of support for teachers applying for the Fellowship Program
University of Iowa faculty will evaluate completed applications and letters of support. Preference is given to teacher leaders and peer coaches, and teachers, school counselors, and school psychologists who are new to gifted education. Accepted Fellows will be notified in May.
Apply Now
Applications open February 1.
After You're Accepted
Be prepared for the Belin-Blank Fellowship program to energize and excite you about the education of gifted and talented students! Here are all the details you'll need while making your plans to join us.
Before the Program Begins
Fellows should complete all preliminary writing assignments and readings required by the instructor. Some of these assignments will be distributed in May and will be due prior to the start of the class.
Cost & Financial Aid
Cost
Districts are responsible for a payment of $100.00 to help defray the costs of the Fellowship Program.
A generous endowment covers a majority of the remaining costs, including residence hall housing, breakfast and lunch (Monday through Thursday), dinner (Sunday and Tuesday night only), materials, access to the University of Iowa library, and presentations from leaders in gifted education.
Fellows are responsible for any travel, dinner (Monday and Wednesday), and personal spending.
Financial Aid
Fellows who choose to enroll in the accompanying graduate level course (for two semester hours) may request an application for financial assistance. See "Academic Credit Options".
Academic Credit Options
Two semester hours of graduate credit are available at an additional fee. For details, contact educators@belinblank.org.
Daily Schedule
The Belin-Blank Fellowship runs Monday through Thursday. Because class begins on Monday morning, the Fellows are asked to arrive on campus on Sunday night.
A complete schedule for the Belin-Blank Fellowship will be released at least a week prior to its start.
Participants will be required to complete readings and a variety of reflections each evening.
