Ronald W. Poplau
1999 Inductee

Sociology / Community Service
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Total years as a classroom teacher: 36

The basis for Ronald W. Poplau's decision to choose teaching as a career was a one-year experience teaching in Brazil, where his numerous activities for social reform and anti-communism merited a personal telegram of appreciation from Brazil's president, Casetlo Branco.

He is inspired by his father, who immigrated from Germany at the turn of the century. Because of prejudice and fear, he and his siblings never attended school, which resulted in his illiteracy until his death. His father relied on family to write letters, read road signs, and make out his bills. As a teacher, Ron was the fulfillment of his father's dreams to free others from illiteracy.

His school through its Cougars Community Commitment program was named Shawnee Citizen of the Year because of its involvement in all aspects of the community. They visit retirement homes, tutor in elementary schools, sponsor dinner- dances once a month for the elderly, provide gifts for young offenders at Christmas, cook and serve thanksgiving dinner for people with AIDS, raise funds to help pay utility bills, and have saved an elderly couple's home from bank foreclosure. His classroom motto: The doer of good becomes good!

"What Ron has done by the creation of this program is to leave a legacy of community care and involvement for generations to come. . . I can only believe that this will be a better world because of the lives that have been touched and by those that will carry on the torch of caring and community involvement. . .he is our shining light."  
-- Beth A. Jantsch, colleague

"Finding a need and creating a solution to meet that need becomes as common place as breathing in and out for the students participating in Mr. Poplau's classes." 
-- Evelyn Ewing, volunteer director, Lakeview Village

Education

Teaching Experience

Honors/Awards