SCHOOL PROGRAMS
California Poets in the Schools offers school-based, poetry workshops for K-12 schools throughout California. Please contact us to learn more.
Poetry Workshops in Schools
“Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity for our existence. It forms the quality of light from which we predicate our hopes and dreams toward survival and change, first into language, then into idea, then into more tangible action.” Audre Lorde (1934-1992)
Why Poetry Matters: Poetry instruction—whether online or in person—cultivates authentic human connection. When young people join a poetry class, they feel less isolated and more engaged. At the same time, writing poetry strengthens literacy skills, building confidence in reading, writing, and self-expression. It helps youth develop self-awareness, deepen their understanding of society, and claim ownership of their unique voice, thoughts, and ideas.
Poetry also empowers youth to contribute to the community conversation on pressing issues such as social justice, climate change, and identity. Sharing poems aloud with peers builds bridges of empathy and understanding, creating a stronger sense of belonging.
Professional poets—our certified Poet-Teachers—are the backbone of California Poets in the Schools. They bring their craft into K–12 classrooms with a standards-based curriculum designed to:
-
Strengthen literacy
-
Inspire creativity
-
Build student engagement
-
Foster community and belonging
Through the creative process, Poet-Teachers help young people discover their voices and use them with confidence.
Curious about funding a Poet-Teacher at your site?
Click here to explore potential resources.
CalPoets' lessons follow a tried and true arc that has been proven over the past five decades to elicit strong poetry from nearly every student every single lesson. This framework includes analysis of a socially relevant poem written by an acclaimed poet, followed by individual student writing where youth put into practice the techniques that were working well in the "famous poem," followed by student performances of their own writing. Class sessions often culminate in a formal reading and/or anthology.
Please contact us to begin the process of bringing a professional poet into your school.