Poetry Out Loud is Back!
Poetry Out Loud inspires in high school students the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—art.
2026-2027 Poetry Out Loud Resources
Are you ready to start planning? Here are some links to get you started.
Calendar of Important Dates
- December 16, 2026 - Deadline for Organizations to Register Local Event
- January 13, 2027 - Local Poetry Out Loud Competition Window Closes
- January 20, 2027 - Deadline for Student Finalist Submissions
- January 27, 2027 - L.A. County Poetry Out Loud Competition Winner Announced
- February 28 - March 1, 2027 - California State Poetry Out Loud Finals Competition
- April 26 - 28, 2027 - National Poetry Out Loud Finals Competition
Thursday, November 17 | 9:30 - 12:30 P.M. | 24th Street Theatre | Free with Registration
Visual & Performing Arts Coordinators, TOSAs, Curriculum & Instruction Leads and other school leadership are invited to a morning focused on arts education in an inspirational setting. We will hear from LACOE’s Special Education Unit about Special Education & the Arts and discuss Building Cross-District Collaborations. In addition, we will have a tour of the theatre, do a workshop and learn about the 24th STreet Theatre! All Los Angeles County districts and charter schools are welcome. This is an offering from the Los Angeles County Office of Education in parntership with the Arts Ed Collective and 24th STreet Theatre.
Register for the L.A. County Arts Coordinators Network Meeting
Is your school transforming lives through the power of the arts? The California Department of Education wants to recognize you!
The Exemplary Arts Education Award (EAEA) honors California schools that go above and beyond to ensure every student has equitable, meaningful access to standards-aligned arts education. Schools that are selected as a recipient are celebrated statewide and serve as model programs for two academic years, showcasing innovative practices that make arts education thrive.
To be in alignment with the California Distinguished Schools Program, the EAEA will now recognize elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Therefore, the 2026–27 awards cycle will honor elementary schools. Elementary schools, including direct-funded charter schools, juvenile court and community schools, and alternative schools of choice, serving students in kindergarten through grade eight may apply. Please note this is a school-based award. Local educational agencies and districts may not apply.
- Gain statewide recognition for your school’s arts program
- Inspire other educators and districts
- Shine a light on the impact of the arts in student learning and community engagement
Important Dates:
- Applications open July 1, 2026
- Deadline: December 11, 2026
- Winners announced: March 2027
Visit the EAEA web page for full eligibility details and application materials. For questions, email exemplaryartsawards@cde.ca.gov.
Upcoming Arts Opportunities for Students
Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 - 4:00 P.M. | ASU California Center Broadway | Free with Registration
Girls’ Voices Now believe that every young woman has a powerful story to tell, and the right tools can turn that story into a movement. We empower the next generation of changemakers to find, develop, and use their creative voices for social good while opening real pathways into creative industries.
This year’s Day of the Girl Summit is a full-day, hands-on experience designed to help you navigate every corner of modern storytelling. Beyond traditional media, this summit emphasizes how to unlock your fullest creativity across the industry while building a standout personal brand teaching young creators how to show up, stay innovative, and build an authentic presence across diverse creative platforms.
For more information and to register, visit Day ofThe Girl Summit 2026 Registration Page
Professional Development Opportunities
Wednesday, October 21 | 4:30 - 8:00 P.M. | LACMA | $20
You will have the unique opportunity to explore the David Geffen Galleries and its incredible vistas at sunset. Choose a guided experience with one of our gallery educators, or create your own unique path with the support of our self-guided tour materials. Guests will enjoy a special talk, tours, and dinner. Dinner and parking is included with admission.
For more information and to register, visit Evenings for Educators: Welcome to the David Geffen Galleries
Thursday, October 22 | 9:00 - 3:00 P.M. | Getty Center | Free with Registration
Join the Getty Center for a day of learning, inspiration, and networking. Designed for high school educators, this program explores approaches for teaching historical counter-narratives through 20th and 21st-century artworks and archival materials from Getty's collection. Explore primary sources that reflect themes of community, identity, and resistance with curators, participate in art activities, and discuss how to meaningfully incorporate the materials into high school learning environments.
The resources shared in this program feature artists Alison Saar, Marcus Lyon, PESTS, and Shepard Fairey; architect Paul R. Williams; and photojournalists George Rodriguez and Ted Soqui.
This program is geared towards ethnic studies teachers and any high school educators interested in incorporating themes of community, identity, and resistance into their curricula through art. The content connects with English Language Arts, History/Social Science, and Visual Arts curriculum standards, as well as the California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.
This program is for high school educators. Advance program registration is free, but required for program entry.
Registration for program.
Contact Information
Jeannine Flores
Coordinator III - Arts & STEAM
(562) 401-5499
flores_jeannine@lacoe.edu
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