How to Participate
Questions Teachers interested in enrolling their school in Poetry Out Loud are encouraged to review all published material and contact Jennie Knoebel through the information below.
The Program
The Poetry Out Loud contest uses a pyramid structure. Beginning at the high school classroom level, teachers implement a two- to three-week curriculum using free, standards-based materials including:
- online poetry anthology
- comprehensive teacher’s guide
- videos of student performances
- lesson plans
- promotional and media guides.
Students will need to compete at either a school or local competition to advance to the state competition. The winner of the state competition will advance to Nationals.
Timeline
Deadline for Schools to Register for the State Competition – Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Deadline for Students to Register for State - Tuesday, February 20, 2024
State Competition in Des Moines - Sunday, March 3, 2024
National Competition in Washington D.C. - April 30 - May 2, 2024
State Competition in Des Moines - Sunday, March 3, 2024
National Competition in Washington D.C. - April 30 - May 2, 2024
Awards
Iowa Champion
The Iowa Champion will receive $200 and be able to compete at the National Finals. The Iowa Champion’s school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials.
The first runner-up in Iowa will receive $100 and their school will receive a $200 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials.
National Champion
A total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded at the National Finals, including $20,000 for the National Champion, and $10,000 and $5,000 respectively for the second- and third-place finalists.
The Iowa Champion will receive $200 and be able to compete at the National Finals. The Iowa Champion’s school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials.
The first runner-up in Iowa will receive $100 and their school will receive a $200 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials.
National Champion
A total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded at the National Finals, including $20,000 for the National Champion, and $10,000 and $5,000 respectively for the second- and third-place finalists.
How to Register
- Schools need to submit a completed Iowa Poetry Out Loud Registration Form by Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Only schools who complete the registration form will be allowed to participate in the state competition.