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Join the Summer Poetry Teachers Institute 2026

The Poetry Foundation has exciting news for educators! From July 13 to 17, 2026, the Summer Poetry Teachers Institute will make its anticipated return to Chicago. This event empowers K-12 teachers and community college educators across the United States through a transformative, free professional development experience focused on enhancing their poetry instruction skills.

This year’s program promises an enriching agenda, featuring esteemed poets, renowned educators, and skilled teaching artists, including Lauren DeJulio Bell, Lucy Biederman, Kathy Higgs-Coulthard, Lupe Mendez, Faisal Mohyuddin, Vera Naputi, Kenyatta Rogers, and Michelle Schaub. Alongside daily seminars and hands-on workshops at the Bennett Day School, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in an offsite poetry reading and reception on Thursday evening, further deepening their engagement with the poetic community.

A Focus on "Poetry Speaks"

The theme for the 2026 Institute is "Poetry Speaks," an exploration aimed at fostering open discussions and hands-on workshops across various poetry fields. Designed for educators at various levels of experience, this program encourages participants to develop engaging poetry lessons and comprehensive unit plans ready to implement in their classrooms. By equipping educators with effective strategies, the Institute seeks to enhance students' curiosity and comfort regarding poetry, ensuring it's accessible and relatable to all learners.

Justine Haka, the Poetry Foundation’s education program manager, emphasizes the importance of making poetry vibrant and inclusive. "We believe poetry is both expansive and inclusive—there is something for everyone within it," she remarks. "However, its open and complex nature can pose challenges for educators trying to convey its beauty to students. We aim to provide educators with multiple entry points to help them foster enduring relationships with poetry in the classroom."

A Legacy of Innovation

Since its inception in 2015, the Summer Poetry Teachers Institute has established itself as a vital resource for nurturing innovative teaching methods for poetry. With an emphasis on exploration, dialogue, and the real-life experiences of poetry in educational settings, the Institute is dedicated to broadening access to poetry while invigorating educational practices across all grade levels and learning environments. It ultimately cultivates a passion for poetry and self-expression amongst students and educators alike.

Application Process and Who Can Apply

The Poetry Foundation encourages applications from educators across all subjects at K-12 and community college levels, as well as librarians, counselors, and school administrators. The Institute warmly welcomes both novice and experienced poetry teachers, along with those eager to delve into poetry for the first time. Successful applicants will earn 30 hours of professional development credit from the Illinois State Board of Education. Although the event is free—covering costs for breakfast, lunch, and materials—participants are responsible for their travel, lodging, and any additional meals.

To maintain an intimate atmosphere conducive to learning, participation is capped at 165 attendees. Applications will be accepted until March 20, 2026. Educators interested in joining this experience should explore application requirements and find additional information on the Poetry Foundation’s official website.

About the Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of words. Our mission is to elevate poetry and celebrate poets by creating spaces for everyone to create, experience, and share poetry. To connect with the Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine, follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For an engaging summer filled with learning and creativity, consider applying to the Summer Poetry Teachers Institute. Embrace the chance to empower yourself as an educator and inspire your students to explore the beautiful world of poetry.