“Public Education is the cornerstone of our community and our democracy.”
-Horace Mann.
In the United States, before the establishment of public education systems, the value of a broad-based, primary compulsory system to prepare youth and adolescents for life as productive citizens was debatable. Many professions were either self-taught or learned through apprenticeships and experience – trial and error – even if disastrous for those involved in the error side of things. Those born to wealth and pleasant circumstances were granted access to education and coveted societal positions while others faced formidable obstacles to achieve similar results.
Although the need for an educated public was recognized by some, it was often limited and associated with religious and moral precepts. However, even in 5th Century B.C.E., the Greek philosopher Plato proposed compulsory education to mold personal growth for youth and prepare rulers and citizens for life’s challenges. Today, although recently interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, primary and secondary education either through public or private resources continues, slowly returning to a semblance of normality. This disruption has emphasized the value of a professional and dedicated workforce envisioned by education advocates throughout history.
In the fledgling United States of America, progressive ideas about education were beginning to emerge, borrowing from European practices. Horace Mann (1796-1859), considered by many to be the “Father of American Education,” considered education for all as “a great equalizer,” explaining that “…It does better than to disarm the poor of their hostility toward the rich; it prevents being poor.” The principles he promoted remain relevant today: ignorance and freedom are antithetical; primary education should be supported by the public; all should be included in public education without regard to background; public education should be free of religious tenets; public education should promote a free society; and educators should be well-trained professionals.
Proliferation of misinformation and false narratives, including racial and societal profiling, in times of stress highlights the need for a well-educated, rational and comprehensive educational system. This allows everyone to understand not only technical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects, but promotes appreciation of art, physical fitness, basic principles and history of our society as well: How and why did our country form? How does it operate? What is a democratic republic?
Without a well-rounded education – emotional, physical, intellectual – even brilliant students can fall prey to suspect information and incomplete rationale, a path to emotional turmoil and horrific consequences for themselves and their communities. As our school systems and students struggle to recover from the consequences of a world-wide pandemic, our communities need to reaffirm their commitment to broad-based education – public and private – for everyone.
“Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance-wheel of the social machinery.”
-Horace Mann.