Gladys Rhodes Pope

Promoting literacy lies at the heart of this educator, Mrs. Pope, a teacher for over 20 years at Leal School in Urbana, Illinois. Mrs. Gladys Rhodes Pope is a 1958 graduate of Danville High School, Danville, Illinois. Mrs. Pope graduated with a Bachelor and Master Degree in Education from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Pope was married to the late Lt. Paul Lawrence Pope, and they are the parents of three children; Katherine, Elizabeth and Paul Martin.

At Leal School, Mrs. Pope put forth an extra effort to motivate and enhance basic skills of her high-risk students in Reading, Writing, and Drama. These programs improved the self-esteem of all students in her classroom. Mrs. Pope felt all students came to her classroom with a special gift.

She is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, A.M.E. Stewardess and Missionary, Foster Parents from 1967 to 1998; Mentored high risk students in 1997 - 2001;Y.W.C.A. Black Achievement Award Honoree 1989 - 1998; Baha'i Community Award - 1987; Martin Luther King A.M.E. Award - 1989; Bethel A.M.E. Missionary of the Year - 1999; A.M.E. Outstanding Service Award - 1997.

Mrs. Pope's hobbies are collecting plates commemorating churches, writing short plays and poetry. She published a poem, "Mrs. Lucy's Fine Lace". Her activities include gifts and support for community programs, sponsored by POPE FOR PEACE Foundation.