Mann’s Contributions to the History of Education

“Mann’s ideas prevailed, and he is recognized today for his efforts in transforming the country’s public education system.”

-“Horace Mann”, Biography.com

The United States of America has had many developments since the Europeans settled on the continent in the late 1500’s. From the introduction to growth of new crops to developing new technology, this country has made improvements for over 200 years. One of the most important developments, in my opinion, is the creation of schools and implementation of education in our future country. 

• The first school was established in what is now Florida by a group of Franciscan priests from Spain in 1606. 
• More and more schools were being established as more colonists from Europe were coming over with their families. 
• People saw the need for education to better the future generations. Although the schools were very limited, over the years, laws and reformers were able to create schools that were available to almost everyone.

While scrolling through the American Educational History: A Hypertext Timeline, I was looking through the overall history of American education. There is lots of information about all of the trials and tribulations that educators and supporters went through to get to where we are today in our education system. Someone that really stood out to me was Horace Mann. I remember learning about him in high school, and from what I remember, he was a huge advocate for education. He was a lawyer that eventually became a member of the House of Representatives.

You might be asking yourself: What exactly did Horace Mann do for the American education system? I will tell you what I learned from the timeline

• Worked hard to get increased funding for public schools in America
• In 1837, he became the Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education
• Helped educators receive better training
• Mann’s “Common School Journal” proved his devotion to getting the future of America free and universal education.
• After working hard to achieve these educational goals, Mann became the first president of Antioch College in Ohio

Horace Mann seemed interesting to me because at the time, not very many people seemed to be interested in getting educated, but rather working instead. The people of the United States were trying to build up the economy and provide for their families. Horace Mann’s actions helped to jumpstart the education system. Without his help and dedication, it would have taken a lot longer for education to become a relevant topic in the society they lived in.