Horace Mann Early Life Horace Mann, a key figure in the development of public education in the United States, was born in Massachusetts in 1796 (Carleton, 2024). Growing up in a poor farming family, he faced numerous challenges accessing quality schooling. Despite this, Mann’s thirst for knowledge led him to become a dedicated student. Mann’s humble beginning profoundly shaped his belief in the transformative power of education and his lifelong commitment to advocating for accessible and equitable schooling for all children. Education/Career/Training Mann was determined to pursue education. Mann grew up in an environment full of poverty. He educated himself by attending the Franklin town library (Cremin, 2024). He attended Brown University …show more content…
As the first secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, Mann advocated for free public schooling for all children. “The first great American advocate of public education who believed that, in a democratic society, education should be free and universal” (Cremin, 2024). Mann worked towards establishing teacher training programs and curriculum standards. He wanted to provide education to students regardless of their background or social status. Influence on Education Today Horace Mann’s dedication to education reform laid the foundation for the public school system. His influence on education is still evident today. Mann’s legacy can be seen in the continued push for equitable and inclusive education policies and practices, shaping the way we approach learning and teaching in the 21st century. Friedrich Frobel Early Life Friedrich Froebel was born on April 21, 1782, in Thuringia, Germany (Merrick, 2022). Froebel experienced a strong connection to nature, which greatly influenced his educational philosophy. As a young adult, he worked as a teacher and developed innovative methods to engage young learners, laying the foundation for what later became the kindergarten …show more content…
Education/Career/Training Friedrich Frobel’s educational journey began with a strong foundation in law and architecture, but his true passion lay in nurturing young minds. His belief in the importance of early childhood experiences led him to establish the first kindergarten in 1837, where playful learning and structured activities were combined to promote development (Friedrich Wilhelm August fröbel n.d). Contribution to Education Froebel’s contributions to education were based on his observations of children and their play. He believed that practitioners should understand the principles of observation and see the world through the multiple lenses of children. He also emphasized the importance of offering children freedom with guidance and creating environments that support their development (Merrick, 2022). Influence on Education Today Froebel’s ideas about early childhood education have had a significant influence on education today. His belief in the importance of play and the development of children has shaped our understanding of how children learn (Merrick,