Virtual Poetry Teachers Institute
An annual, immersive gathering to explore ways to teach poetry.
BY The Editors
Get inspired to teach poetry! Last July, the Poetry Foundation hosted its fifth annual Summer Poetry Teachers Institute entirely online, and we will host two separate online sessions in 2021: July 12-15 and July 26-29. This free, four-day event will included tailored seminars, hands-on workshops, and small break-out sessions all delivered through Zoom. We've created a learning community of educators from across the country, and possibly the world, to study and discuss poetry with renowned practitioners and expert teachers. Together, participants attend seminars and workshops and develop lesson plans to bring back to their classrooms.
The theme for the 2021 Institute is “Poetry in an Antiracist Classroom.” Our application deadline has passed, and we will be reaching out to applicants shortly.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?
The program will be entirely online with seminars and workshops designed for Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and Community College teachers. Pending availability, attendees can choose between the two weeks. Either week, there are two options to attend: the General Sessions only (a few hours each day), or General Sessions plus Breakout Sessions (10am-4pm Central, with breaks). Room in the Breakout Sessions is limited and will require additional work and commitment.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
Teachers of all grades K-12 and community college instructors are encouraged to apply. We welcome new and experienced teachers: both those who enjoy teaching poetry and those who have struggled with it. We also welcome back previous attendees. We ask that all registrants are available and commit to participate in all sessions offered in their tier.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Registration is open to all accepted teachers.
WHAT’S THE SCHEDULE?
The Institute will not be asynchronous and will take place in Central Daylight Time (CDT). Sessions will be offered in English with live captioning. The General Sessions will require a few hours each day, while the General Sessions plus Breakout Sessions option will run 10am-4pm Central, with breaks.
WILL I STILL EARN PROFESSIONAL CREDITS?
Participation in this year's institute does not grant professional development credits.
COST
Institute tuition is free once your registration is confirmed.
The editorial staff of the Poetry Foundation. See the Poetry Foundation staff list and editorial team masthead.