Horace Mann

Horace Mann renowned as the ‘Father of the Common School Movement’ was an American education reformer and politician. He was a pioneer of public education and argued that education in a democratic society should be universal, non-factional and reliable. He believed that unruly children of the country can be best transformed into disciplined, sensible and republican nationals through universal public education. He got extensive support from modernizers including the ones from his Whig Party for establishing public schools. Most of the states followed one of the systems he formed in Massachusetts, particularly the ‘normal school’ program for professional training of teachers. Mostly women were trained in normal schools enabling them to build a new career in teaching. He made effort for well equipped schools, longer school life for students till 16 years of age, elaborate curriculum and good pay for teachers. He served as the Secretary of the ‘Massachusetts State Board of Education’ since its inception. He served the ‘Massachusetts State Legislature’ as a dedicated Whig party member and promoted rapid modernization. He was also elected to the ‘United States House of Representatives’.