The historical figure remembered as an advocate for education reform in the United States is Horace Mann. Serving as the first Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, Mann championed public education, believing it was essential for democratic citizenship and social advancement. He advocated for free, universal, and non-sectarian education, emphasizing the need for trained teachers and a standardized curriculum. Mann's tireless efforts in the mid-19th century helped establish a robust public school system, promoting the notion that education should be accessible to all children, irrespective of their socio-economic status. His vision laid the groundwork for modern educational practices.