Ronald Poplau

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.