Dr. Kenneth Poppe has dedicated his life to education. His journey began five decades ago, in 1971, in a ninth-grade biology classroom in Dallas. Since then he has served in various roles, from a secondary science and math teacher to an administrator, professor, and field representative for the Colorado Department of Education.
His passion for teaching and learning endures. He continues to instruct in the Master’s and Alternative Certification Education programs at Southern Nazarene University (SNU). He also coaches doctorate students pursuing their Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership (Ed.D.).
Dr. Poppe's philosophy of education is deeply rooted in practicality and authenticity. He understands that teaching is not for the faint of heart and encourages his students—many of whom are stepping into classrooms as educators for the first time—to be genuine and prepared for real-life situations.
“You cannot bluff your way through with smoke and mirrors,” he asserts. “Kids are very perceptive and will know whether or not you care for them.” For Dr. Poppe, teaching is a sacred calling that requires commitment, wisdom, and a heart for service.
Staying current and relevant is vital to Dr. Poppe, as is evident in his teaching approach. He values real-world experiences and fosters a collaborative learning environment by engaging deeply in discussion boards and encouraging students to share their experiences. This interaction benefits his students and allows him to remain informed about the evolving educational landscape.
He takes pride in having authored modules for two brand-new courses, striving to ensure the content is sound in theory and realistic in practice. A quote from a respected professor echoes in his mind as he writes, “If you say it's good in theory but not in practice, is it indeed good in theory?”
Even after semi-retiring in 2018, Dr. Poppe’s passion for education led him to return to full-time teaching for a year when his local high school struggled to fill a Pre-AP Chemistry position. His willingness to step in is a testament to his dedication and a strong sense of duty as an educator. Now, he finds joy in the spiritual atmosphere and the camaraderie of like-minded educators at SNU.
Faith plays an integral role in Dr. Poppe’s teaching philosophy. He believes that becoming an educator is not just a career move but a divine calling. While his journey has not been without its challenges—particularly in reconciling his deep faith with his scientific expertise—he has remained steadfast in his belief that actual science and faith are not mutually exclusive. He asserts that his study of science has only strengthened his faith. He has authored books exploring the harmony between scientific discovery and intelligent design, notably Reclaiming Science from Darwinism and 17 Iron-Clad Scientific Arguments Against Darwinism.
Dr. Poppe also draws inspiration from Jesus Christ, whom he refers to as the “Master Teacher.” He sees teaching as an act of service, requiring strength and compassion. He encourages his students to lead with a “command presence” to ensure that external challenges do not hinder their ability to serve.
He also credits the Holy Spirit for sending to him his wife Melba, an exceptional art and bilingual ESL teacher with over 35 years of classroom experience of her own. When Ken was awarded "Secondary Educator of the Year" by the Association of Texas Professional Educators at their 2015 state convention, he told a crowd of 700 that she was "the wind beneath his wings" as she stood and cheered from the gallery.
His enthusiasm for education extends beyond the classroom. Dr. Poppe recognizes the ripple effect of his work in educating and equipping teachers. Endowing educators with the necessary skills and knowledge has allowed him to impact countless students' lives indirectly. “Teaching 100 students to be more successful is satisfying,” he explains, “but teaching 100 teachers who, in turn, positively influence 100 students of their own gives the Lord 'extra mileage for the journey.'”
Dr. Poppe is also enthusiastic about creating enrichment and support aides for educators, including his books Christ in the Classroom, Vol. 1 and 2, which have become required reading in Master’s of Teaching courses. These timeless Scriptural devotionals provide direct classroom application for education students. Among his many contributions, Dr. Poppe’s “Ten Commandments of Teaching” is especially well received by students, offering practical and faith-based principles for effective instruction.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Poppe acknowledges that his path was not always straightforward. Early on, he pursued his career with an independent mindset, expecting God to follow along. However, personal trials, like professional challenges and a difficult divorce, helped him embrace the mindset of surrendering to divine guidance. “Jesus, take the wheel,” he now says with conviction. He credits his faith for leading him to SNU and the incredible students and staff he works with today.
Dr. Poppe teaches with a mission-driven intensity that students really appreciate! They feel the commitment, and they respond to Dr. Poppe’s heartfelt guidance and instruction. Dr. Stephoni Case says, “It was a fortuitous day when Ken reached out to me with interest in teaching for the Alternative Certification Program in Teaching. I am thankful he pursued SNU and for the great relationship he offers to me as well as our students.”
Despite his multiple decades in education, Dr. Poppe remains passionate and energized by his work. When it comes to teaching, he believes that humor is a crucial component, helping to make complex subjects more engaging and relatable. His education psychology course, which he built from the ground up, includes not only research and theories but also touches of humor and irony—perhaps even a few “Little Johnny” jokes (ex. EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN: “Johnny, I think I have found the root of your abrupt nature. Your DNA is backwards.” JOHNNY: “AND …?") He believes these elements add warmth to the virtual classroom and make learning more enjoyable.
Dr. Poppe sees education as the perfect fit for his varied interests. “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a superhero, psychologist, detective, philosopher, actor, and stand-up comedian,” he jokes. “So I became a teacher.” His journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and faith. His career is a true testament to a dedicated educator's impact on generations of students.
