This live Poetry Pop-Up session brings youth poets into classrooms to model authentic writing and performance. Students and teachers see how poetry can build confidence, connect to identity, and create a powerful sense of community through voice.

The event also helps educators envision ways to make poetry more accessible and engaging—through reading, listening, writing, and sharing with a real audience.

What You’ll Learn

• How poetry performance can increase student engagement and motivation.
• Ways to build community through writing using shared audience experiences.
• Strategies for encouraging authentic student expression without perfection pressure.
• How reading and listening to poems supports stronger writing skills.

Key Themes Discussed

• Identity and voice as powerful drivers for student writing.
• Slam poetry and audience as a structure that boosts urgency and engagement.
• Growth through practice—reading widely and writing consistently.
• Creative risk-taking by lowering fear of “getting it wrong.”

Who Should Watch This Webinar?

This webinar is designed for:

• Classroom teachers.
• ELA educators and literacy coaches.
• Teachers leading poetry units, performance, or student showcases.
• Educators seeking high-engagement writing experiences for students.

Meet the Speakers

• Alyssa Gaines, National Youth Poet Laureate; Midwest Finalist (Indianapolis).
• Isabella Ramirez, 2021 South Florida Youth Poet Laureate; National Youth Poet Laureate Finalist.
• Jenny Coogan, Chief Content Officer, Newsela (Host).