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Birth
Horace Mann was born on May 4, 1796. -
First education reform
"It was not until he was appointed secretary in 1837 of the newly created board of education of Massachusetts (the first such position in the United States) that he began the work which was to place him in the foremost rank of American educators." -
Second reform
His six main principles were (1) the public should no longer remain ignorant (2) that such education should be paid for, and sustained by an interested public (3) that this education will be best provided in schools that embrace children from a variety of backgrounds (4) that this education must be non-sectarian (5) that this education must be taught by the spirit, methods, and discipline of a free society (6) that education should be provided by well-trained, professional teachers. -
Abroad education reform
Under the auspices of the board, but at his own expense, he went to Europe in 1843 to visit schools, especially in Prussia, and his seventh annual report, published after his return, embodied the results of his tour. -
Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education
In 1848, after public service as Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education, Mann was elected to the United States House of Representatives (1848–53). -
Educational inspiration with NY
In 1852, he supported the decision to adopt the Prussian education system in Massachusetts. Shortly after Massachusetts adopted the Prussian system, the Governor of New York set up the same method in twelve different New York schools on a trial basis. -
Death
He died August 2, 1859.
