The Town of Arlington’s Poet Laureate Committee has selected Teresa Cader as the fifth Poet Laureate of Arlington. Cader is the award-winning author of four poetry collections. Her appointment was confirmed by the Select Board on March 30, 2026, and her term begins on April 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of National Poetry Month.

A celebratory event to thank the fourth Poet Laureate, Jean P. Flanagan, and to welcome the newly appointed fifth Poet Laureate, Cader, will take place in the Community Room of the Robbins Library on Thursday, April 23 from 7:00-8:00 pm. The public is invited to meet the Poets Laureate, hear their poetry, and learn about the fifth Poet Laureate’s hopes and dreams for engaging community members of all ages. Refreshments will be served.

Lidia Kenig Scher, Chair of the Poet Laureate Committee shared that “we chose Teresa Cader, first, because we were impressed with her ambitious and vivid poetry; in particular, her works with a connection to Arlington. We recognized her stellar credentials and accomplishments in the field of poetry as well as her collaborative spirit and already substantial contributions to the community of poets with her engagement in the events and projects of the fourth Poet Laureate.”

Kenig Scher continued, “we were also impressed with her openness to stepping beyond her comfort zone, demonstrating that she has the ability to bring poetry, and its healing power, to people who might not believe poetry is for them.” 

The plans and ideas Cader discussed with the Poet Laureate Committee touched on the many sectors of Arlington, from its children to its elders, from its arts and cultural organizations to its vibrant restaurants, all to nourish the sharing and writing of poems community-wide, to support local poets, and to integrate poetry into the daily life of the Arlington community.

“I believe that communal sharing of poetry connects people to each other. Poems reveal what makes us human across time, history, culture, and geography,” said Cader. “I'm moved and honored to be selected as Poet Laureate and by the sense that together we're all embarking on an exciting phase of connecting our communities to the life-giving art of poetry. What a beautiful opportunity I've been given.”

About the Poet Laureate of Arlington
Jean P. Flanagan served as the fourth Poet Laureate of Arlington from January 2023 until January 2026. The Town of Arlington established the position of Poet Laureate of Arlington in 2014 “for the purposes of advancing the literary arts, enriching the community, and recognizing the literary achievements of Town residents.” A screening committee of five members is responsible for recommending the Poet Laureate to the Town Manager and then the Select Board for confirmation. Former Poets Laureate include Miriam Levine, Cathie Desjardins, and Steven Ratiner.

Contact
Poet Laureate Committee
arlingtonpoetlaureatecommittee@gmail.com

Arlington's fifth Poet Laureate Teresa Cader (left) after her Select Board confirmation, with Poet Laureate Committee Chair Lidia Kenig Scher (right)