Kenneth Poppe

Dr. Kenneth Poppe is a dedicated educator with over 50 years of experience in the field of education. Currently serving as a professor at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), he teaches in both the Master's and Alternative Certification Education programs while coaching students pursuing their Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership (Ed.D.). His career spans multiple roles including secondary science and math teacher, administrator, professor, and field representative for the Colorado Department of Education.

Dr. Poppe's research interests focus on the integration of faith and education, practical teacher training methodologies, and science education. His teaching philosophy emphasizes authenticity, preparation for real-world classroom situations, and the importance of genuine care for students. He has developed innovative educational approaches including his well-received "Ten Commandments of Teaching," which offers practical and faith-based principles for effective instruction. His work in educational psychology incorporates humor and relatable examples to make complex subjects more engaging in the virtual classroom environment.

Among his notable achievements, Dr. Poppe was honored as "Secondary Educator of the Year" by the Association of Texas Professional Educators at their 2015 state convention. His contributions to education extend beyond the classroom through the authorship of enrichment materials for educators, including the books "Christ in the Classroom, Vol. 1 and 2," which have become required reading in Master's of Teaching courses.

As an advisor, Dr. Poppe coaches doctoral students in the Ed.D. program in Administration and Leadership at SNU. His teaching approach emphasizes collaborative learning and real-world application, with deep engagement in discussion boards to foster meaningful educational experiences. Despite semi-retiring in 2018, he returned to full-time teaching for a year when a local high school needed a Pre-AP Chemistry teacher, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to education.

Dr. Poppe maintains active involvement in educational initiatives through his authorship of new course modules and his dedication to creating practical, theory-sound educational content. His work continues to impact countless students through the teachers he educates, embodying his belief that "teaching 100 teachers who, in turn, positively influence 100 students of their own gives the Lord 'extra mileage for the journey.'"