A lifetime of teaching, learning and building community
For 45 years, Dan Puls has been a cornerstone of community education, impacting the lives of countless residents across generations. From children to senior citizens, his passion for teaching has created an enduring legacy in New Prague and beyond.
Dan began his teaching career in 1978, entering the profession as the youngest staff member by 12 years. By the time he retired, he was the oldest by 13 years – a testament to his dedication and longevity at New Prague Area Schools. His interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with fellow educators, allowed students to engage with history in a meaningful way. Two pivotal moments he recalls from his teaching career were the 1986 Challenger explosion and the 9/11 attacks. In both situations, he guided students through understanding the impact of history as it unfolded in front of them.
Enriching lives across generations
Dan’s impact extends beyond the traditional classroom. As a Community Education instructor, he has led courses on a diverse range of topics, ensuring that learning remains an engaging and thought-provoking experience. His adult history classes have covered subjects like Post-WWII America, the Vietnam War, and the history of country music. In his first adult history class on Post-WWII America, only seven people attended, but the depth of discussion made it a rewarding experience and his classes meet maximum capacity now each year. His class on the Vietnam War was particularly special, as two Vietnam veteran nurses and five military veterans participated, adding powerful firsthand perspectives to the discussions.
One of Dan’s most personally enriching class topics was the history of country music, which deepened his own appreciation for the genre. His class on American First Ladies offered unique insights into the decision-making processes of their husbands, highlighting figures like Abigail Adams, who regularly shared her concerns and opinions with her husband. Dan’s teaching philosophy is one that encourages dialogue and curiosity. He uses Life magazine as a resource to spark discussions, with editorials and fashion trends often leading to lively conversations. He actively takes suggestions for new topics, ensuring that his courses remain relevant and engaging.
Building community through senior education
Thanks to support from the New Prague Rotary and private donations, Dan has expanded his educational sessions to seniors at Praha Village. Many of his adult students are the parents or grandparents of his former students, highlighting the full-circle nature of his influence. The senior learners appreciate the opportunity for meaningful discussions without conflict, making education a continued source of enrichment in their lives.
Coaching and coordinating: From golf to pickleball
Beyond the classroom, Dan has played a significant role in local recreational sports. He began coaching junior golf in 1981, teaching lessons and running a Monday morning junior league. His love for fostering active lifestyles also extended into pickleball, which he introduced to New Prague in 2016. Since then, he has coordinated the sport, promoting it as a way to enhance wellness, physical health, and social connections. Interestingly, Dan has observed that there is very little crossover between his history students and his pickleball players. Despite this, both groups share a common thread – an eagerness to learn, connect, and stay engaged with their community.
A legacy of learning and connection
Dan Puls has dedicated his life to education, fostering a love of learning across every age group. Whether through history discussions, coaching sports, or senior learning sessions, he has been able to cultivate an environment where knowledge is shared, perspectives are valued, and community thrives. His influence continues to resonate, proving that learning is truly a lifelong journey.
