Rafael Cordero, recognized as the father of public education in Puerto Rico, was an autodidact who gave free education to children, regardless of race and social status. Rafael was born in San Juan to a poor family of Afro-descendant parents. His love for literature and his determination to teach led him to educate himself and end up teaching primary school. Towards the end of the 19th century, Rafael opened a free home school for children of any race whose parents could not afford school fees. Cordero maintained his school for 58 years on Luna Street in San Juan. He taught math, reading, calligraphy, and many other subjects. Among those who were his students are Román Baldorioty de Castro, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and José Julián Acosta. He was rewarded by a club which offered him 100 pesos. Half he used to buy books and clothes for his students. The other half he gave to the homeless. The love and respect Puerto Ricans had was more than evident, as more than 2000 people attended his funeral in 1868. The honors and tributes to his passing are many. Puerto Rican poet José Gualberto Padilla published a poem titled el maestro Rafael in tribute to the teacher. In 1890 an artist painted a portrait of Rafael. The elementary school where Rafael taught was renovated by the government of Puerto Rico. Several schools bear his name, including a high school in San Juan, an elementary school in Aguadilla, an elementary school in New Jersey, and a high school in Brooklyn.