Simon, Charles

Charles Simon (1915-2009) was a Cleveland, Ohio-area educator and language expert, as well as a veteran of World War II. Simon began his teaching career in 1938, but his career was put on hold when he enlisted in the Army in 1942. Stationed in England, France, and Germany during World War II, Simon used his extensive language skills as a member of the civilian censorship department. He used much of his leave time to assist survivors from concentration camps. During his time stationed in England, he became involved with the London Esperantist Club and became invested in the spread of Esperanto as an international auxiliary language.

Returning to Cleveland following the war, Simon continued teaching and furthered his education. He received his master's and doctorate in French literature and theatre from Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to further study French language at the Sorbonne in Paris in 1957. Simon taught in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District for over thirty years, retiring from teaching in 1980. In addition, he also taught at the Language Demonstration School at Western Reserve University, provided instruction at local religious schools, and taught Esperanto classes.