Announcing Dr. Manuel O. Valenzuela as HML’s First Champion of Public Education.
The Horace Mann League is proud to recognize Dr. Manuel O. Valenzuela as our first Champion of Public Education for his unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy for the advancement of public education in our community.
Dr. Valenzuela is the superintendent of Sahuarita Unified Schools, AZ. His contributions to public education embody the spirit of Horace Mann’s vision. His recognition for this honor is based on a recent op-ed he wrote, How Do You Size Up Public Education, published in the Green Valley News in April 2024. Dr. Valenzuela was nominated by Dr. Carl Hermanns of Arizona State University and selected by a panel of peers from a slate of many outstanding candidates.
Founded in 1922, the Horace Mann League has served as a beacon of advocacy and leadership in promoting the beliefs of Horace Mann, the pioneer of the American public school system. The League staunchly believes that public education is indispensable for upholding the ideals of democracy and maintaining a vibrant, equitable society. Their steadfast commitment to ensuring that public schools remain free, classless, non-sectarian, and accessible to all children embodies democratic principles.
Through his advocacy, Dr. Valenzuela has championed initiatives to enhance equitable educational opportunity, foster inclusive learning environments, and empower educators to inspire the next generation of leaders. His efforts align closely with the values the Horace Mann League of the USA upholds.
“We are honored to recognize Dr. Valenzuela as a Champion of Public Education,” said Jeanné Collins Deweese, Executive Director of the Horace Mann League of the USA. “His dedication to advancing the cause of public education mirrors the timeless values upheld by the Horace Mann League. “Dr. Valenzuela’s advocacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of education in shaping the future of our society. As we celebrate Dr. Valenzuela’s achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of accessible, equitable educational opportunity for all. Together, we will continue to champion the vision of Horace Mann and the enduring legacy of public education in America.”
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Interested in nominating a future Champion of Public Education to be recognized by the Horace Mann League? Our web page gives guidelines and a nomination form. Nominations are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we invite your submission! https://hmleague.org/nomination-form-for-champions-of-public-education/