The Fall 2025 Teachers Institute: Community Publishing & Poetic Belonging
From October 24-26, the University of Arizona Poetry Center—in partnership with the Poetry Foundation—is holding a Teacher's Institute around the theme of "Community Publishing & Poetic Belonging." The institute is free to attend, and open to classroom teachers, community educators, and librarians who work with middle and high school grade levels. The focus of the seminars and workshops will be on how to share poetry and creative writing that originated in the classroom with a wider public audience, and on using these literary forms to deepen affinity and understanding among diverse students, schools, and communities. Examples of topics to be covered include poetry-based murals, using audiovisual archives to teach poetry, and zine-making.
If you are interested in attending the Institute, please return on August 5, 2025 to apply during the second application period.
While all are welcome to apply, priority will be given to applicants residing within the state of Arizona.
Applicants who applied during the priority application period were notified of their acceptance on July 11, 2025.
If you have questions, please email Eva Sierra at: emsierra@arizona.edu.
The call for workshop proposals has closed. Notifications were sent to applicants on Friday, June 13.
Timeline and Important Dates:
May 5 - May 30: Call for workshop proposals open
Notifications: June 13
May 20 - June 20: Priority application period for prospective institute attendees
Notifications: July 11
August 5 - August 29: Second application period
Notifications: September 12
October 24, 25, 26: Teachers Institute Dates
FAQs:
Q: How many educators will be attending?
A: Attendance will be capped at 50 participants.
Q: How much does the Institute cost?
A: There is no cost to attend. Attendees are responsible for their transportation, lodging, and select meals.
Q: When does the Institute take place?
A: October 24-26, 2025
Q: Where will the Institute take place?
A: The Institute will take place at the University of Arizona. Programming will take place at the Poetry Center (1508 E Helen Street, Tucson, Arizona 85719) and at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (1502 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85719).
Q: Do you offer lodging?
A: While we are not able to provide lodging, we’re happy to recommend nearby accommodations to help you plan your stay. Let us know if you'd like a list of local options!
Q: Will you offer meals?
A: Lunch and light snacks will be provided each day of the institute. You will have the opportunity to share dietary restrictions upon acceptance to the Institute, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Q: I don’t know much about poetry. May I participate?
A: We aim to make all teachers, educators, and librarians more comfortable teaching poetry, so if you want to use poetry in your classroom or library, we encourage you to apply.
Q: How many participants will there be?
A: There will be roughly 50 teachers, educators, and librarians from Arizona attending. Participants will meet in groups ranging from 15 people to 30 people in workshop sessions and up to 50 for seminars.
Q: Can you meet my accessibility needs?
A: All workshop and seminar spaces are ADA accessible. The Poetry Center’s Rubel Room is equipped with a loop system, Listen Everywhere technology, and assisted listening headsets. To learn more about our hearing assistance, please visit: https://poetry.arizona.edu/readings/involvement-accessibility. If you would benefit from any other accessibility measures, contact Eva Sierra at emsierra@arizona.edu and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q: Do you offer parking?
A: There is free parking on all surface lots on Saturdays and Sundays. Vouchers for Friday garage parking can be requested upon confirmation. The nearest garage is the Highland Avenue Garage on Helen Street between Cherry and Mountain Avenues.
Q: Will a stipend be provided to attendees?
A: While we’re unable to offer a stipend, there is no cost to attend—the Institute is completely tuition-free.
Q: I’ve submitted my application to attend. When will I receive a response?
A: Applicants who submit prior to the priority deadline (June 20) will be notified by July 11, 2025. Applicants who submit prior to the secondary deadline (August 29) will be notified by September 12, 2025.
If you have any questions or wish to learn more, please contact Eva Sierra at emsierra@arizona.edu.