The Belin-Blank Center understands the pivotal role you play in the lives of the students you serve. Educators have the power to inspire, motivate, support, and nurture. We are here to support your work through a host of professional learning opportunities in a variety of formats for educators. If you have any questions, please email us at educators@belinblank.org.
This was incredibly valuable and worthwhile and I am so excited to use the methods and strategies I learned with my gifted students.
Academic Programs
Graduate Certificate in Talent Development
The Graduate Certificate in Talent Development provides a synthesis of theory and multiple perspectives regarding the concept of talent development. To attain multiple perspectives, elective coursework that spans a variety of colleges and departments is complemented by the eligibility of students across fields to register. The culminating Capstone Exploration project allows for a learning experience driven by individual interest. Learn more.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Leadership and Cultural Competency
The Belin-Blank Center is working to develop a masters program through the College of Education. Our goal is to offer an engaging program of study that prepares individuals to be teacher leaders with an emphasis on advanced learners and meeting their needs. For those who are interested, the masters will fulfill all the requirements for the state of Iowa TAG endorsement. For an update on the masters, email us at educators@belinblank.org.
Talented and Gifted Endorsement
Pursue the Iowa TAG Endorsement through the Belin-Blank Center completely online. Our approach meets all of the state's requirements, aligns with national standards, and provides flexibility and choice. Learn more.
Professional Learning
The Belin-Blank Center is committed to supporting your professional learning needs throughout the year! We offer classes in a variety of formats, for those making progress toward their State of Iowa Talented and Gifted Endorsement, maintaining their license requirements, or pursuing career advancement through a variety of online and on-site courses and workshops or Iowa Licensure Renewal Units. All of our classes are aligned with national standards in gifted education, including the Pre-K to Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards (essential to ensure best practices in our programs) and the Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted Education (guiding professional learning goals as beginners—or as practicing professionals).
Advanced Placement® Summer Institute
Advanced Placement® (AP®) courses introduce high school students to academically challenging material and then give them an opportunity to earn college credit by taking AP® exams. The AP® Summer Institute (APSI) prepares teachers to develop and teach an AP® course, introduce one into their school, or simply improve their skills in teaching advanced courses. Learn more.
Belin-Blank Advanced Learner Institute (B-BALI)
The Belin-Blank Advanced Learner Institute (B-BALI) is a one-day professional learning experience that targets meeting the needs of advanced learners so their talent area(s) are developed in school. Our aim is to present the educator attendees in grades K-8 with practical information, using existing research and tools to help make data-driven decisions. Presentations at B-BALI will focus on the academic, social, and emotional aspects of the advanced learner profile.
Come learn with us on July 16, 2025! Learn more.
Belin-Blank Talent Development Fellowship
The Belin-Blank Talent Development Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for a select number of teachers, nominated by their schools, to receive specialized professional learning in gifted education through a summer residential fellowship on the campus of the University of Iowa. The Belin-Blank Talent Development Fellowship aims to better prepare educators with little to no professional learning related to advanced learners and meeting their needs. Learn more.
Coursework
The Belin-Blank Center has been offering learning experiences for educators since 1980. Throughout the year (including summer), we administer a variety of courses and workshops. We strive to strike the balance between theory and practical ideas in our suite of professional learning so educators can be matched with what they are seeking. Individuals may take courses/workshops in isolation or apply them to one of our Academic Programs. Learn more.
Iowa Licensure Renewal Credits
The Belin-Blank Center partners with the UI College of Education to provide Iowa Licensure Renewal Units through workshops and other professional learning opportunities. These experiences span a variety of topics and afford Iowa educators the platform to stay up to date with relevant, research- and evidence-based professional development on the topics that are most important to their schools and students. Learn more.
Webinars
Our webinars engage educators with the most relevant issues in serving the needs of talented and gifted students in a convenient setting. Learn more.
Resources
Beyond programming, the Belin-Blank Center supports many resources to help educators and families understand and stay connected with what is happening in the world of gifted education.
Acceleration Institute
The Acceleration Institute website houses information and resources about academic acceleration. Educators, parents, policymakers, and researchers can find many appropriate resources pertinent to their needs. Learn more.
Gifted Teachers' Listserv
The Belin-Blank Center hosts an email listserv for educators focused on gifted education, with over 1,200 people giving and receiving useful information. Examples of discussions include favorite TED talks to show students, assessing Algebra I readiness, book recommendations, gifted standards report cards, and identification for creativity and leadership. Ready to sign up? 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.
Iowa AP® Index
The Iowa AP® Index serves to recognize the Top 50 Iowa accredited public and nonpublic high schools for providing Advanced Placement® (AP®) opportunities to Iowa’s high school students. Learn more.
Jumpstarting Student Research Fellowship
This fellowship provides financial support for professional development that assists educators in incorporating research and individual research projects into their classrooms. Learn more.
Recognition Award for Talent Development
This financial award honors the innovative efforts happening in schools around the state and supports educators in growing talent development opportunities for their students. Learn more.
