Rafael Cordero (educator)
| Rafael Cordero y Molina | |
|---|---|
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| Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico | |
| Born | October 1790 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Died | July 5, 1868 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Rafael Cordero y Molina (October, 1790–July 5, 1868), popularly known as Maestro Cordero, was a self-educated Puerto Rican who provided free schooling to the children of his city regardless of race or social standing. He is considered the "Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico". His sister Celestina Cordero established the first school for girls in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In 2004, the Roman Catholic Church began the process of Cordero's beatification. In 2013, Pope Francis recognized him as Venerable.
Cordero was born in the City of Puerto Rico on the island of San Juan Bautista (now known as San Juan, Puerto Rico), then part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, into a poor family; his father Lucas Cordero worked in the tobacco fields and his mother was Rita Molina. He was one of three children, his two older sisters being Gregoria and Celestina. Cordero, who was of African ancestry, was self-educated. His love of literature and his determination to teach and educate himself helped him to develop the skills and preparation to teach primary school. Cordero received the sacrament of Confirmation at the age of 14 from Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi (1760–1814), the first native bishop of the island, and would grow up to live his live as a devout Catholic. In 1820, his older sister, Celestina, also a pious Catholic, established the first school for girls on the island.
In 1810 Cordero opened in his own house a free school for all children, regardless of race, who were unable to afford an education otherwise. Cordero maintained his educational center for 58 years at Luna Street. There he taught reading, calligraphy, mathematics and religious instruction. Among the distinguished alumni who attended Cordero's school were Román Baldorioty de Castro, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and José Julián Acosta. He proved that racial and economic integration could be possible and accepted.
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