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<div><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;font-size:11pt;color:rgb(0,0,0);">Dear Colleagues:</span></div>

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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">I would like to share an exciting summer opportunity for an educator in your school or for a friend or colleague in a different setting! Since<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="font-style:italic;">1981</b>, classroom teachers have benefited from a unique professional development opportunity known as<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#1F497D;">The Connie Belin & Jacqueline N. Blank<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Fellowship<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Program in Gifted Education</span></b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">. The summer 2021<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Fellowship-the <b>41^st</b><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>year-will be held<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><b>June 21 - 25</b><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space">, <b style="font-style:italic;">virtually</b></span>, and we welcome teachers, counselors, psychologists, and administrators to apply, knowing it takes all of us to provide best practices for our students.</span></div>

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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">More than ever, all educators need to know more about the unique needs of gifted and talented students-and about how to meet those needs-because of today's ever greater challenges.  This professional learning opportunity facilitates professional understanding about best practices in serving advanced learners, including those who traditionally have been overlooked for gifted programs. Participants will interact virtually with others who have a commitment to understanding more about research-based strategies that promote authentic talent development among your school's most capable students. <br>
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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space" style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">Because the Fellowship is a <b>virtual version</b> of one of the nation's most prestigious professional development programs, this is the year for those who might have difficulties arranging travel to Iowa City to join us.  Participants will need to be fully present throughout the week because the presentations, activities, and extended discussions will inspire your thoughtful engagement with new ideas and approaches!</span> <span style="font-family:sans-serif;"> </span></div>


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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">For an overview of the program, please<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a shape="rect" style="font-weight:bold;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/educators/fellowship/docs/2021-Fellowship-Brochure.pdf__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2SW093p8$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;">download a brochure</span></a><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space" style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;"> </span><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">(safe to open) (</span><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/educators/fellowship/docs/2021-Fellowship-Brochure.pdf__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2SW093p8$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;"></span></a><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/educators/fellowship/docs/2021-Fellowship-Brochure.pdf__;!!KGKeukY!kfC_sSQK2GqwqjhOu3cEcs9gomFi9qVerLssx4RssTwsG9t9AJwCoff-rrr5PfgG-y9U$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/educators/fellowship/docs/2021-Fellowship-Brochure.pdf</a><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">).  Educators should review the program at<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/educators/fellowship/__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2fDFS5Pz$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;" lang="en">belinblank.org/fellowship</span></a><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space" style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;"> </span><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">and apply<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://belinblank-apps.education.uiowa.edu/belin_fellowship/__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2WaiRNCH$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;">online</span></a><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">.  Selection of the<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><b>12</b><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Belin-Blank<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Fellows will be based on a review of applications, as well as a review of the statements of support from administrators. <span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span> </span></div>


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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">This unique<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Fellowship<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>was originally designed for the general education teacher-the individual who spends the greatest amount of classroom time with gifted and talented learners. In recent years, we also have welcomed teacher leaders, counselors, psychologists, and administrators, knowing they work closely with teachers to ensure best practices for<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><i>all</i> students.<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><b>An endowment covers the cost of opportunities to interact with nationally recognized experts in gifted education; it will also cover other costs associated with the program, including access to the online University library and a 50% tuition scholarship for two semester hours of credit</b> (if credit hours would be useful for you). This year, when the program is a virtual one, we are waiving the request that the district support its participant(s) through a payment of a $250 resource fee. You will leave the program with extensive resources that will enrich you and your district. <br>
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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">  </span></div>


<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">Please share this information about the<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Fellowship<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>to those in your building. Encourage general education teachers, school counselors and psychologists, and administrators to<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://belinblank-apps.education.uiowa.edu/belin_fellowship/__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2WaiRNCH$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;">apply online</span></a><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">. Each applicant is responsible for completing the application process by<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#C00000;">April 15</span></b><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space" style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">;</span> <span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">must ask for a<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><i>brief</i><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>statement of support from you, the Superintendent, or another district administrator, also<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://belinblank-apps.education.uiowa.edu/belin_fellowship/Recommendation.aspx__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2dFtjHVz$" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="font-family:sans-serif;">submitted online</span></a><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space" style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;"> </span><span style="font-family:sans-serif;color:#000;">by<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><b>April 15</b>. </span></div>


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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="color:#000;">All of us at the<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> Belin-Blank</span><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>Center are confident this summer will continue a tradition that prompted one participant to relate:</span> </div>


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<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;margin:0in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color:#000;">If you have any questions about the<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><span><span>Fellowship</span> </span>or the application process, please contact Dr. Laurie Croft, Associate Director for Professional Development at<span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span><a shape="rect" ymailto="mailto:educators@belinblank.org" href="mailto:educators@belinblank.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">educators@belinblank.org</a><span class="yiv8006110371ex-ex-yiv7461537155x_apple-converted-space"> </span>or 319-335-6148. We look forward to having an educator you know us this summer! </span></span></div>

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<div style="background:#FFF;color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;font-size:11pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:bold;margin:0in;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;"><span style="margin:0px;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;color:#000;">Clinical Professor of Gifted Education, Teaching & Learning</span></div>


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Associate Director for Professional Development, Belin-Blank Center</span></div>


<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);font-style:normal;background:#FFF;"><span style="margin:0px;font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;color:#000;">College of Education<br clear="none"><span style="margin:0px;padding:1px 0px;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:dashed;">600 Blank Honors Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52242</span><br clear="none">
Office:<span> </span><span style="margin:0px;padding:0in;border:1pt none;">319-335-6148</span>, Toll Free:<span> </span><span style="margin:0px;padding:0in;border:1pt none;">1-800-336-6463</span><br clear="none"><b><a shape="rect" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.belinblank.education.uiowa.edu/?utm_source=EmailSignature&utm_medium=email&utm_content=CroftEmailSignature&utm_campaign=EmailSignature__;!!KGKeukY!hGKDgXc6mURK7zFH_KR4NKaqUEioFJPOMh3gPWNB9UgiqGJ2bng8mNosJZmx2S02ALlz$" title="uiowa.edu" style="margin:0px;" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="margin:0px;color:rgb(5,99,193);">belinblank.education.uiowa.edu</span></a></b></span></div>


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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Via Art Snyder</span></span></span></div>

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