Mann believed that universal education would allow the United States to avoid the rigid class systems of Europe. Mann promoted universal educationĪs secretary, Mann advocated for “common schools,” institutions that would be available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay tuition. In 1837 Mann played a key role in establishing the Massachusetts State Board of Education, and he went on to become the board’s first secretary of education. After graduation, he built a successful legal career and was subsequently elected to the state house in 1827 and the state senate in 1833. Mann attended Brown University and the Litchfield Law School in Connecticut. His vision of public education was a precursor to the Supreme Court’s eventual interpretation of the establishment clause and church-state separation principles in public schools. Known as the “father of American education,” Horace Mann (1796–1859), a major force behind establishing unified school systems, worked to establish a varied curriculum that excluded sectarian instruction. (Daguerreotype image by Southworth & Hawes, public domain via Wikimedia Commons) His vision of public education was a precursor to the Supreme Court’s eventual interpretation of the First Amendment's establishment clause and church-state separation principles in public schools. Mann’s statue is displayed in front of the Massachusetts State House, together with that of Daniel Webster.Known as the “father of American education,” Horace Mann (pictured here circa 1850) worked to establish a varied curriculum that excluded sectarian instruction.Mann became the president of Antioch College at Yellow Springs, OH in 1852.Mann became a United States Senator from the Whig party, filling the seat of the departed John Quincy Adams. Mann is still known as “the father of American public education”.Even though he encountered much resistance from schoolmasters and religious institutions, his reforms to public education were adopted by other states.This is where he promoted public education as a way to make “unruly American children into disciplined, judicious republicancitizens”. Mann was appointed to the board of education of Massachusetts in 1837.Mann married the daughter of the president of Brown University, Charlotte Messer. Mann was elected to the Massachusetts legislature where he promoted public education. Mann graduated in three years as valedictorian. Even though he went to school about six weeks during the school year, he made good use of the library and enrolled at Brown University at age 20.Mann was born on a farm in Franklin, MA.

Mann is remembered for promoting public education.īooks on, or about, Horace Mann* Fun Facts about Horace Mann: Horace Mann (4 May, 1796 – 2 August, 1859) was an American politician and author.

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