Which reformer is associated with the establishment of the public education system in America?

Horace Mann is recognized as the key figure in the establishment of the public education system in America. His advocacy for public education in the 19th century laid the groundwork for a system that supported mandatory education for all children, emphasizing the importance of universal access to schooling. Mann believed that education was essential for a democratic society and sought to improve the quality of teaching through professional training for educators. He played a significant role in establishing normal schools to train teachers and was instrumental in the creation of state boards of education.

This focus on the necessity of public education and the establishment of a structured system of schooling was pivotal during a time when education was mostly available only to the wealthy. Mann’s dedication to improving educational access and quality ultimately shaped the foundation of the modern public educational system in the United States.