Horace Mann and the Vision of Public Schools

In this enlightening episode of Busted Pencils, Dr. Tim Slekar is joined by Curtis Cardine, the accomplished author behind the newly released book "Horace's Hope: Freedman's Folly, The Purpose and Promise of Common Schools in a Democratic Republic." Together, they delve into the profound legacy of Horace Mann, the pioneer of the American public education system. Curtis shares his extensive knowledge and passion for Mann’s visionary principles that continue to shape our educational landscape.

Curtis provides an in-depth exploration of Horace Mann's six foundational principles for public education, emphasizing their relevance and importance in today's society. From the critical notion that citizens cannot maintain both ignorance and freedom to the necessity of non-sectarian education provided by well-trained professional teachers, these principles form the bedrock of Mann's enduring legacy. Curtis also sheds light on Mann’s early advocacy for mental health reform and emancipation, showcasing his broad humanitarian impact.

Listeners are invited to re-examine the current state of public education through the lens of Mann's principles, as Curtis and Dr. Tim discuss the challenges and deviations introduced by modern privatization movements. The conversation extends to Curtis's critique of Milton Friedman's influence on educational choice and the implications for democratic values. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of public education.

Busted Pencils is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-7 pm across Wisconsin. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Dr. Tim, Dr. Johnny and the show!

Resources Mentioned:

• Horace's Hope: Freedman's Folly, The Purpose and Promise of Common Schools in a Democratic Republic by Curtis Cardine