Spoken word can reclaim power in moments in which it seems like it’s been taken away. In this workshop, educators analyze culturally sustaining spoken word that flips power relationships, then create spoken word that reclaims power, and finally learn concrete strategies for teaching poetry workshops that center student analysis, life experience, critical consciousness, and group connections. Teachers will learn how to integrate poetry, spoken word, hip-hop and slam into daily lessons. How to use exemplary contemporary authors and rappers alongside the fresh text of students’ stories. How to organize a student spoken word showcase or slam.