Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools Contest
InSpiritry Co-Sponsors Annual Regional Student Poetry Contest
Young Audiences of Northeast Texas announces the 2019 Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools Contest, an Arts in Education project co-sponsored by InSpiritry.
For many years, poet and InSpiritry founder Anne McCrady directed a local Poetry in Schools Contest, a project of the Rusk County Poetry Society to honor young East Texas poets, in celebration of National Poetry Month.
Continuing that tradition, in 2014, InSpiritry joined Young Audiences of Northeast Texas, Rusk County Poetry Society and TEA Region VII Service Center to co-sponsor the Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools contest with Anne as Artistic Director & Lead Judge! This program offers an outstanding arts enrichment opportunity for students that includes TEKS from several areas of language and fine arts. Each year, over 1000 students from dozens of schools submit poems for consideration by grade level.
Submissions are taken online from Northeast Texas area teachers from February 1 to March 1 by Young Audiences of Northeast Texas. Judging is done by local writers, poets and educators. The awards ceremony is held in mid-April with the 12th grade First Place winner receiving a $500 scholarship from the Rusk County Poetry Society.
Though Anne stepped down from her leadership role in 2023, she continues to support this wonderful project and to encourage poetry in area schools!
See photos from Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools Awards Ceremonies
If you would like advice about hosting your own student poetry contest, contact Anne McCrady!
NOTE: For interested teachers and students, Anne McCrady offers InSpiritry workshops for teachers who want to better instruct their students on the art of writing (and reading) poetry, as well as interactive sessions for students. Anne's presentations can be adapted for use as a classroom session, a keynote, a short presentation, all day intensive workshop, or a multi-session residency.
