To earn a TAG endorsement, you must complete 12 semester hours of coursework in the area of the gifted and talented, with at least one semester hour in each of the following strands: 

1. Psychology of the Gifted
2. Programming for the Gifted
3. Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs
4. Practicum Experience in Gifted Programs

An individual applying for endorsement through the University of Iowa must have taken a minimum of one semester hour through coursework offered by the Belin-Blank Center. We strongly recommend the practicum for the credit hour, but this can be decided on a case-by-case basis.

We offer "just-in-time" learning throughout the year, designed to meet busy teachers' needs. From three-semester-hour courses, to intensive one-semester-hour focused workshops offered throughout the year, to the arranged practicum experience, educators can align their personal and professional needs and interests with state requirements. For those who prefer face-to-face interactions, our Chautauqua sessions offer a unique opportunity to earn up to six credit hours (half of the requirement!) during the summer. 

Sufficient hours are available via distance learning that the endorsement can be completed without visiting the University of Iowa campus. Educators interact with others from around the country, as well as participants from other nations. All classes are provided by Distance and Online Education; distance-learning opportunities do not require either out-of-state tuition and those designated as a workshop (ending in 0WKA or something similar) do not currently have extra technology fees. The credits offered through the Belin-Blank Center, in partnership with the College of Education, can be combined with hours in gifted education earned at other institutions.

Courses are taught by experts in the field of gifted education, including Drs. Susan Assouline, Clar Baldus, Laurie Croft, and Mega Foley-Nicpon. Additional instructors selected for summer courses and workshops have classroom experience with gifted and talented youth and have advanced degrees in educational fields. Each instructor is committed to helping you develop your understanding of highly able youth and their special needs.

The Belin-Blank Center is in full compliance with NAGC's National Standards in Gifted and Talented Education including Standards for Faculty in Gifted Education Programs.

We're here to help you keep track of everything you'll have to complete. In a nutshell, you'll need to:

1. Register as a University of Iowa Distance and Online Nondegree student.
2. Enroll for your course(s).
3. Complete 12 semester hours of coursework, including at least one credit hour per strand, including practicum. Keep track of your courses with the Program of Study for the TAG Endorsement.
4. Submit your completed TAG endorsement form to educators@belinblank.org. We'll verify that you've completed everything required and send that information on to the College of Education Licensure Analyst. 
5. Expect to receive an email from the College of Education Office of Student Services about the necessary steps to submit your information to the State of Iowa Department of Education.

The practicum is an individually arranged experience promoting research, reflection and action on participant-defined goals, and hands-on experience with gifted children. For each hour of practicum, teachers spend approximately 15 hours reading and reacting to new materials, fifteen hours working to achieve their personal goals, and 15 hours in observation and interaction with gifted and talented students. These activities frequently complement a teacher's professional responsibilities.