Mission

Since 1964, California Poets in the Schools (CalPoets) has grown to become one of the oldest and largest writers-in-the-schools programs in the nation. Our reach includes 20,000 students served annually by 100 Poet-Teachers from throughout California. CalPoets offers a professional, network experience for California poets that includes over 20 annual training and networking events, a three-day poetry conference, fundraising assistance, affiliation with a nationally-recognized nonprofit, as well as a clear pathway to earn income and give back to their local communities as Poet-Teachers.The multicultural network of Poet-Teachers ranges from recent college graduates and local open-mic champions, to established poets with illustrious careers. First and foremost all poets are serious artists and professional performers, trained in the art of teaching poetry at age-appropriate levels. They are living models of an artist's commitment to creative and imaginative use of language. Poet-Teachers