Hall of Fame Inductee Dan Puls
For more than three decades, Dan Puls helped shape young minds and build community through his dedication to education, athletics, and lifelong learning in New Prague. His teaching career with New Prague Area Schools began unexpectedly in 1978, with a simple newspaper clipping and a friend’s encouragement, and grew into 34 years of service that left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.
Puls began his journey as a long-term substitute at New Prague High School, teaching junior high social studies and coaching volleyball. What began as a nine-week role soon turned into a lifelong connection. Over the years, he became known not just as a teacher, but as a mentor to both students and fellow educators.
“Teaching is a science and an art,” Puls shared. “I was fortunate to work with administrators who allowed me to find my niche and later to help younger teachers find theirs.”
Throughout his career, Puls inspired others through collaboration and compassion. As the longest-serving member of the Social Studies Department at the time of his retirement in 2013, he mentored new educators, guided curriculum discussions, and modeled what it means to teach with heart and purpose.
Outside the classroom, Puls was equally dedicated. He coached volleyball and golf for more than 30 years, taking pride in watching his athletes grow from beginners to accomplished competitors and, more importantly, to responsible young adults.
“I’ve had the privilege to see students evolve from basic skill levels to becoming confident, coachable, and successful people,” he said. “Some even went on to careers in golf or business, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see where life has taken them.”
One of the defining moments of his teaching career came on September 11, 2001, when Puls turned a national tragedy into a profound educational experience. As the events unfolded, he sought permission to show live coverage to his social studies classes — alternating between news segments and open discussion.
“It was one of the most teachable moments I’ve ever had,” Puls recalled. “We focused on understanding what was happening, asking questions, and making sense of history in real time.”
Even in retirement, Puls continues to teach. Through New Prague’s Community Education program, he offers courses for adults on topics ranging from U.S. history and government to music and culture. His classes are discussion-based, open to all, and often filled with returning participants — some well into their 80s and 90s.
“There are no tests,” he said with a smile. “Just conversation, curiosity, and the joy of learning together.”
When asked how it feels to join the distinguished company of the New Prague Area Schools Hall of Fame, Puls said he’s humbled by the honor.
“I’ve been blessed to work alongside great people who helped me become a better teacher and thinker,” he reflected. “To see my name on the wall among those who influenced me — it’s incredibly meaningful.”
As he continues to share his love of history, civics, and lifelong learning, Dan Puls remains a true example of the lasting impact one teacher can make, both inside and beyond the classroom.