The State of Iowa requires a pre-K through 12 Talented and Gifted (TAG) Endorsement for anyone designated as a teacher and/or coordinator of programs for the gifted. The TAG Endorsement allows teachers to work with gifted students of any age, even if their certification is for a specific age group. It also equips educators with the essential tools to understand gifted students' characteristics and unique needs and to promote their talents and well-being.
About the Program
When you pursue your TAG Endorsement through the Belin-Blank Center, you will benefit from the state's most flexible and varied set of course options, instruction by world-class leaders in the field at the state's center for gifted education, and a program that complies with national faculty standards and promotes both NAGC Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted Education and Pre-K – Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards.
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:
- Psychology of the Gifted
- Programming for the Gifted
- Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs
- 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:
- Register as a University of Iowa Distance and Online Nondegree student.
- Enroll for your course(s).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
This experience will certainly allow me to begin the next step of my career with knowledge and confidence!
How to Register
First, you'll need to register with the University of Iowa, and then you'll need to register for the course(s) you'd like to take.
Register With The University Of Iowa
- Apply as a Distance Education Nondegree Student.
- Navigate to the Distance and Online Nondegree webpage, fill out the application there, and submit.
- If you have taken a course with the University of Iowa in the past year, skip to Step 3.
- The Distance and Online Nondegree link above has all the information you need to get admitted and enrolled. Please return to that link or reach out to us at doe-reg@uiowa.edu, as needed, as you navigate the admission and enrollment process.
- Set up your Hawk ID.
- Look for and respond to an email from the UI Office of Admissions with instructions. This email should arrive within 24-hours of submitting your application. Be sure to check your spam folders if you don’t see it in your inbox!
- Log in to MyUI.
- Using your HawkID and password, log in to the University of Iowa student portal, MyUI.
- Submit the Student Billing Agreement once you are logged in to MyUI.
- GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY (undergraduates skip this step): Email Anne Sparks (anne-sparks@uiowa.edu) to request to be authorized for enrollment for the semester of your course.
Register For Your Course(s)
- Log in to MyUI and navigate to the COURSES/REGISTRATION tab.
- Search for your course using the session (e.g., Fall 2019), course subject (e.g., EDTL), course number, and section number.
- When you find your course, click the Enroll button.
- If your course needs a special permission number, enter the 3-digit code now.
To Receive Graduate Credit
You must send official transcripts showing your baccalaureate (or higher) degree to:
- Office of Admissions
The University of Iowa
107 Calvin Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1396
OR gradmail@uiowa.edu
You must have a minimum 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) GPA
Please note: If transcripts do not indicate a 2.5 GPA or above, you will be admitted as an undergraduate student.
Payment
Graduate student tuition rates are $560/semester hour. Undergraduate student tuition rates are $337/semester hour. You will be billed by the University of Iowa and will receive your bill at your UI email address (student-name@uiowa.edu). UBILLS ARE SENT TO YOUR UI EMAIL ONLY—no paper bills are mailed. U-Bills are available for review and payment online through MyUI. If you need assistance, please call 1-800-272-6430.
If you have questions or need assistance with registering, please reach out to Mollie Willis in the Office of Distance and Online Education at (319) 467-0110 or doe-reg@uiowa.edu.
Classes
We are pleased to offer you a wide variety of different workshops and courses that provide research-based information for understanding gifted learners and developing appropriate programming. Each corresponds to one of the educational strands necessary for the Iowa Talented and Gifted Endorsement and will help you develop your expertise in the NAGC-CEC Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education. Classes also explore the NAGC Pre-K – Grade 12 Gifted Programming Standards.
The Iowa Board of Regents has also allowed the University of Iowa College of Education and the Belin-Blank Center to offer Iowa Licensure Renewal Units (ILRUs). ILRUs cannot be counted for the TAG endorsement, but they can apply to relicensure and are available for specific opportunities (e.g., the Advanced Placement Summer Institute and the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association conference).
Current & Upcoming Courses
Ethnic and Cultural Issues
RCE:4124:0WKA
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This class explores the impact of ethnicity and culture on the development of giftedness. The special needs of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American gifted students are discussed, and strategies for identification and programming are suggested. (1 s.h.)
Dates & Time: April 26 - May 14, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Neuroscientific Implications for Gifted: Neuroscience of Twice Exceptionality
PSQF:4128:0WKA
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This section will extend the information shared at the Summit on the Neuroscience of Twice-Exceptionality, reviewing the research about the nature and needs of twice-exceptional learners, as well as best practices for meeting the needs of twice-exceptional learners. Participants will explore neuroscience, psychology, and education to shape their understanding of the topic. (1 s.h.)
Attendance is required at the Summit on the Neuroscience of Twice-Exceptionality; participants receive an automatic 50% tuition scholarship off the cost of graduate tuition.
Contact educators@belinblank.org to override the enrollment restriction.
Instructor: Laurie Croft , Ph.D.
Dates & Time: May 20 - June 10, 2021
Platform: Face-to-Face and Online via ICON
Counseling and Psychological Needs of the Gifted
PSQF:4125:0WKA/RCE:4125:0WKA
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This workshop explores psychological aspects of giftedness and strategies that support the successful development of the gifted. Topics include socio-emotional concerns, career development, learning styles, and attitudes toward education and achievement. Strategies for guidance and advocacy are explored. (1 s.h.)
Instructor: Susannah Wood, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: June 7 - June 25, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Academic Acceleration
PSQF:4123:0EXW
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Acceleration as an effective curricular intervention for high-ability students; forms of acceleration, research evidence for acceleration, and process of implementing acceleration; reasons for persistent negative attitudes about acceleration; advocation for acceleration; skills for effective practice and implementation. Academic acceleration is the least-utilized yet most effective curricular intervention for gifted and high-ability students. Learn about the research evidence supporting acceleration and how to implement acceleration using well-established tools and procedures. Discover how to identify students who would benefit from acceleration. Explore attitudes and preconceptions about acceleration and learn how to advocate for appropriate policies in local schools. (3 s.h. - this course counts 1 s.h. toward the Psychology, Programming, and Administration strands of the TAG Endorsement)
Instructor: Ann Lupkowski Shoplik, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: June 14 - August 5, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Family Issues in Giftedness
RCE:4119:0WKA
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This course will explore family dynamics and issues that arise when one or more children are identified as gifted. Issues related to the child, his/her relationships with parents and siblings, as well as school and family relationships will be discussed. Just in time to plan for the upcoming academic year. (1 s.h.)
This workshop is part of the Belin-Blank Chautauqua courses. The instructor will schedule Zoom meetings during the days the class would have met on campus 07/05/2021 - 07/06/2021. The remainder of the course requirements will be completed via ICON.
Instructor: Haley Wikoff, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: July 05 - July 23, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Creativity: Issues and Applications in Gifted Education
PSQF:4129:0WKA/RCE:4129:0WKA
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This workshop provides an overview of the theories underpinning contemporary definitions of creativity. Participants will learn about instruments that were developed to measure creativity, as well as explore activities in the school environment that enhance or inhibit student creativity. (1 s.h.)
This workshop is part of the Belin-Blank Chautauqua courses. The instructor will schedule Zoom meetings during the days the class would have met on campus 07/12/2021 - 07/13/2021. The remainder of the course requirements will be completed via ICON.
Instructor: Clar Baldus, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: July 12 - July 30, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Curriculum Concepts in Gifted Education
EDTL:4066:0EXW
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Analyzing and refining understanding of curriculum in context of: needs of gifted and talented students, rationale for and implementation of curriculum differentiation, and curriculum principles for and applications to gifted and talented; designed for preservice and inservice educators, as well as those interested in curriculum development, design, and delivery. (3 s.h.)
Instructor: Laurie Croft, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: March 22 - May 14, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Leadership Skills for G/T, K-12
EDTL:4029:0WKA
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This class focuses on strategies to develop leadership skills among gifted and talented students, K - 12. (1 sh)
Instructor: Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) Maloney, Ed.D.
Dates & Time: July 13 - August 2, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Math Programming for High Ability Students
EDTL:4022:0WKA/PSQF:4022:0WKA
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This workshop will focus on the intersection of theory underlying the unique challenges presented by talented students and practice necessary to develop the mathematical talent of gifted students. Participants will develop strategies for assessment and program implementation. (1 s.h.)
(Participants do not need a background in mathematics or math education).
Instructor: Ann Lupkowski Shoplik Ph.D.
Dates & Time: May 25 - June 14, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Reading for High-Ability Students
EDTL:4026:0WKA
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This workshop reviews the purposes and methods of reading instruction, with a focus on developmentally-appropriate needs of high-ability readers. Topics include genres of literature, enriched and accelerated reading curricula, and the role of reading in the social and emotional development of gifted students. (1 s.h.)
Instructor: Patricia Champion, Ed.D.
Dates & Time: June 14 - July 2, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Academic Acceleration
PSQF:4123:0EXW
Show Course Description
Acceleration as an effective curricular intervention for high-ability students; forms of acceleration, research evidence for acceleration, and process of implementing acceleration; reasons for persistent negative attitudes about acceleration; advocation for acceleration; skills for effective practice and implementation. Academic acceleration is the least-utilized yet most effective curricular intervention for gifted and high-ability students. Learn about the research evidence supporting acceleration and how to implement acceleration using well-established tools and procedures. Discover how to identify students who would benefit from acceleration. Explore attitudes and preconceptions about acceleration and learn how to advocate for appropriate policies in local schools. (3 s.h. - this course counts 1 s.h. toward the Psychology, Programming, and Administration strands of the TAG Endorsement)
Instructor: Ann Lupkowski Shoplik, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: June 14 - August 5, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Teacher Training for Advanced Placement Courses
EDTL:5080:0WKA
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The Advanced Placement Teacher Training Institute provides an intensive experience in developing and teaching an AP courses. Teachers receive an overview of the AP Program and prepare syllabi, lesson plans, and classroom materials applicable to an AP class in their subject are. (2 s.h.)
Participants must participate in and complete the Advanced Placement Summer Institute sponsored by the Belin-Blank Center; participants will receive an automatic 50% tuition scholarship off the cost of graduate tuition.
Instructor: Laurie Croft, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: July 1 - July 22, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Differentiation at the Secondary Level
EDTL:4074:0WKA
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High-ability secondary students need differentiation rooted in the content area under study. Advanced Placement is reviewed as one option for gifted secondary students; alternatives from dual enrollment to mentoring and Open Courseware are explored. Options link student abilities/needs to curriculum applications. (1 s.h.)
Instructor: Kristine Milburn, Ed.D.
Dates & Time: July 6 - July 26, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Topics in Teaching and Learning: Talent Development: Arts, Academics, Athletics
EDTL:4096:0WKB
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New course in 2021!
How does giftedness and the talent development process unfold? Why is it crucial to develop gifts into talents? What do teachers need to consider to support students with varied talents in their classrooms? This class will focus on the big questions above through consideration of the following questions as they relate to specific fields: What do gifted students need to understand about practice? How do gifted students respond to performing? How do gifted students respond to competition? What role does perfectionism play in arts classes and to a gifted student? What are the issues for gifted students as related to improvisation? (1.sh.)
This workshop is part of the Belin-Blank Chautauqua courses. The instructor will schedule Zoom meetings during the days the class would have met on campus 07/07/2021 - 07/08/2021. The remainder of the course requirements will be completed via ICON.
Instructor: Kathy Green-Tader
Dates & Time: July 7 - July 27, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Topics in Teaching and Learning: Serving Visual/Spatial Learners in Gifted Education
EDTL:4096:0WKC
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New course in 2021!
Schools are urged to identify students for gifted services based on assessments that focus on visual/spatial skills and abilities. However, these same students may be placed in programs devoid of instruction that caters to those same gifts. It is important to include learning activities that build on visual and spatial abilities, and participants will explore real-world methods that can be utilized in your classroom to help all learners--especially gifted visual/spatial learners. (1 s.h.)
This course is part of the Belin-Blank Chautauqua. The instructor will schedule Zoom meetings during the days the class would have met on campus 07/09/2021 - 07/10/2021. The remainder of the course requirements will be completed via ICON.
Instructor: Vince Moore
Dates & Time: July 9 - July 29, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Topics in Teaching and Learning: Excellence Gaps in Education: Expanding opportunities for Talented Students
EDTL:4096:0WKD
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New course in 2021!
A book study of Excellence Gaps in Education: Expanding Opportunities for Talented Students (Plucker & Peters, 2016), this class explores the achievement gaps among subgroups of students performing at the highest levels of achievement rather than focusing on closing gaps in achievement among those who haven't achieved proficiency. The authors explore the loss of potential among traditionally underrepresented students in gifted programming, and they outline interventions that promote both equity and excellence. (1 s.h.)
Instructor: Anna Payne, M.A.
Dates & Time: June 22 - July 12, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Programming/Curriculum for High Ability Students: Real World Problem Solving
EDTL:4073:0WKA
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High ability learners synthesize both content understanding and methodological applications by tackling real-world problems. Participants will learn about complex instruction, problem-based learning, and ill-structured problems; and they will practice methods to seek answers to their own “real-world problems” within the context of gifted education. This graduate-level workshop in gifted education is designed to assist pre-service and in-service educators as they develop and refine their understandings of the value of problem-solving approaches in the teaching/learning process, particularly important in the context of the academic and socioaffective needs of gifted and talented students.
This workshop is part of the Belin-Blank Chautauqua courses. The instructor will schedule Zoom meetings during the days the class would have met on campus 07/14/2020 - 07/15/2021. The remainder of the course requirements will be completed via ICON.
Instructor: Lori Duffy-Danker
Dates & Time: July 14 - August 3, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Academic Acceleration
PSQF:4123:0EXW
Show Course Description
Acceleration as an effective curricular intervention for high-ability students; forms of acceleration, research evidence for acceleration, and process of implementing acceleration; reasons for persistent negative attitudes about acceleration; advocation for acceleration; skills for effective practice and implementation. Academic acceleration is the least-utilized yet most effective curricular intervention for gifted and high-ability students. Learn about the research evidence supporting acceleration and how to implement acceleration using well-established tools and procedures. Discover how to identify students who would benefit from acceleration. Explore attitudes and preconceptions about acceleration and learn how to advocate for appropriate policies in local schools. (3 s.h. - this course counts 1 s.h. toward the Psychology, Programming, and Administration strands of the TAG Endorsement)
Instructor: Ann Lupkowski Shoplik, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: June 14 - August 5, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
Evaluation of Gifted Programs
EPLS:4111:0WKA
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This workshop focuses on the need for an effective evaluation plan with both formative and summative components, and provides the fundamentals of system-wide program evaluation essential for exemplary gifted programs. (1 s.h.)
This workshop is part of the Belin-Blank Chautauqua courses. The instructor will schedule Zoom meetings during the days the class would have met on campus 07/16/2021 - 07/17/2021. The remainder of the course requirements will be completed via ICON.
Instructor: Kimberley Chandler, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: July 16 - August 5, 2021
Platform: Online via ICON
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.
Practicum in Gifted/Talented Education
EDTL:4188:0EXW/EDTL:4189:0WKA/RCE:4188:0EXW
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Practicum experience is based in local classrooms convenient for participants or at The Connie Belin and Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Participants are provided opportunities to explore relevant literature, to assist in developing curriculum for courses and workshops in gifted education, and to observe and assist in classroom instruction. (Participants may enroll in 1, 2, or 3 semester hours, depending on section.)
- If you are enrolled as a full-time student, register for EDTL:4188:0EXW.
- If you are a Continuing Education student who wants one credit for practicum, enroll in EDTL:4189:0WKA.
- If you are a Continuing Education student who wants two or more practicum credits, enroll in RCE:4188:0EXW.
Instructor: Laurie Croft, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: Multiple official start dates dependent on section; participants with later start dates are welcome (and encouraged) to start the course early
Platform: Online via ICON
Pract in Tchng & Curric Development in Gifted Educ
EDTL4189:0WKA/EDTL:4188:0001/EDTL:4188:0EXW
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Practicum experience is based in local classrooms convenient for participants or at the Belin-Blank Center. Participants are provided opportunities to explore relevant literature, to assist in developing curriculum for courses and workshops in gifted education, and to observe and assist in classroom instruction. (Participants may enroll in 1, 2, or 3 semester hours, depending on section.) Needs special permission
- If you are enrolled as a full-time student, register for EDTL:4188:0001.
- If you are a Continuing Education student who wants one semester hour of credit for practicum, enroll in EDTL:4189:0WKA.
- If you are a Continuing Education student who wants two or more semester hours of credit for practicum, enroll in RCE:4188:0EXW.
Instructor: Laurie Croft, Ph.D.
Team Teacher: Randy Lange, Ph.D.
Dates & Time: Multiple official start dates dependent on section; participants with later start dates are welcome (and encouraged) to start the course early
Platform: Online via ICON
Chautauqua
Summer 2021 Update
Following guidance from the University of Iowa College of Education, the face-to-face days for each Chautauqua class will no longer be on campus. Each instructor will schedule meetings on Zoom during the two days that the class would have met in Blank Honors Center. Chautauqua offers opportunities in the Psychology, Programming, and Administrative strands, making earning the endorsement easier than ever. Scholarships are still available for Chautauqua participants as described above.
Although online courses offer greater flexibility, face-to-face classes enhance networking opportunities, engagement with others who are your interests, and more detailed discussions. Our summer Belin-Blank Chautauqua classes include face-to-face time with colleagues, as well as follow-up time to submit summative work.
Also, if you'd like to earn your endorsement in as little time as possible, consider taking coursework during our Chautauqua summer sessions. Enroll in one or more one-semester workshops and complete each within three weeks of the start date. Chautauqua provides an accelerated pace for those who want to know more before school begins in August!
Chautauqua typically features six separate summer workshops on campus with additional online components. Participants may enroll in any one (or more!) of the workshops. Those who enroll at the graduate level for all three workshops in either week-or both-receive an automatic tuition scholarship from the Belin-Blank Center for one of three classes (i.e., three workshops for the cost of two; six for the cost of four).
If a course is part of the Chautauqua summer session it will be noted in red in the course descriptions above.
