The Poetry Lab is an online literary community serving a global network of writers through accessible, high-quality poetry education. Our participants come from across the United States and more than 10 countries worldwide, with a strong presence in urban and rural regions alike. We are proud to center women, nonbinary writers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and BIPOC communities, with over 80% of our students identifying as women or nonbinary, and a significant number identifying as Queer and/or Writers of Color. Our teaching artists share a commitment to inclusive pedagogy, curiosity, and craft.

We welcome course proposals that reflect the richness of our community and your unique perspective. In this past this has led to courses on generative writing, craft-based approaches, literary history, or experimental forms. We’re especially excited to see classes that are accessible to all levels of writers, grounded in anti-oppressive frameworks, and infused with a clear sense of purpose. We value both innovative and traditional approaches to poetry and believe in the power of a well-designed, intentional classroom.

Teaching at The Poetry Lab means joining a grassroots community that prioritizes creative empowerment, professional growth, and collective care. Our submission process is simple and designed with working artists in mind—just prepare a few core materials and share your idea with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to learn from you.