This form is for Active Poet-Teachers to complete their required annual recertification for the 2026-2027 school year. Maintaining your active status ensures you continue to enjoy the full benefits of the CalPoets network, including access to local grants, the annual statewide anthology, lesson plans, fundraising support, and the use of the CalPoets designation and logo. 

Eligibility

This form is strictly for currently active Poet-Teachers who have already applied, interviewed, completed their initial orientation and training, and are seeking to renew their status. (If you are a new applicant, please return to our main Submittable page and select the "New Poet-Teacher Application".)

Annual Recertification Requirements

To remain in good standing and maintain your Active Poet-Teacher status, you must confirm that you have met the following core responsibilities over the past year:

• Teaching: Teach at least one poetry residency (typically 5-10 classes) in a California K-12 classroom within the calendar year as a CalPoets Poet-Teacher. 
• Network Engagement: Participate in at least three CalPoets-sponsored events (such as monthly gatherings, the annual Symposium, or quarterly open mics). 
• Artistic Leadership: Demonstrate leadership or artistic participation in poetry-related community outreach or events outside of your standard classroom residencies. 
• Branding Compliance: Continue to follow CalPoets' simple branding and messaging guidelines in your biographies, contracts, and professional correspondence. 

What You Will Need to Complete This Form

The recertification process is primarily a simple verification form. Please have the following information ready before you begin:

• Residency Details: The name of the school(s), school district(s), and grade level(s) where you completed your K-12 poetry residency this past year.
• Event Attendance: A brief list of the three CalPoets events you attended.
• Leadership Summary: A short description of your community outreach or artistic leadership activities.
• Directory Updates: Any updated contact information, headshots, or biography adjustments for your listing in our public Poet-Teacher database.

Questions or Support?

If you have any questions about your status, need to report a barrier to completing your requirements, or need technical assistance with this form, please contact the CalPoets administrative team before submitting.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to empowering voices, cultivating connection, and advancing empathy among California's youth!