Since 1964, California Poets in the Schools (CalPoets) has grown into one of the nation’s oldest and largest writers-in-the-schools programs. Each year, more than 100 poetry teaching artists reach over 20,000 students across California, delivering dynamic poetry instruction that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.

CalPoets offers a robust professional network for California poets, providing over 50 annual training, creative, and networking events—including a three-day poetry conference. Teaching artists receive fundraising support, affiliation with a respected statewide nonprofit, and a clear pathway to earn income while giving back to their local communities through teaching.

Our diverse network of teaching artists includes emerging voices, open mic champions, and established poets with national recognition. All are serious literary artists and trained educators who bring age-appropriate poetry instruction into classrooms and community settings. They serve as living examples of the artistic life, inspiring students through their own commitment to language and expression.

CalPoets operates in approximately 25 counties, from Humboldt and Siskiyou to Los Angeles and San Diego, reaching students in public and private schools, juvenile halls, after-school programs, hospitals, and other community spaces—both urban and rural.

We amplify the voices of California youth by creating platforms for poetry writing, performance, and publication. Each year, students are featured in school, regional, and a statewide professionally published anthology—offering lasting records of their creative achievements. These opportunities help young people share their voices with broader audiences, often for the first time.

CalPoets also supports the Poetry Out Loud program in numerous counties and has played a leadership role in launching Youth Poet Laureate programs in Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, and Marin counties since 2020—continuing our commitment to youth development, leadership, and literary excellence across the state.