Champions of Education

Dr. Matthew Montgomery, Superintendent of Lake Forest School District, IL, is recognized for his tireless advocacy for public education through several speaking events, articles, and other media, signifying his commitment to strengthening America’s public schools.

As the Executive Director of NPE, Dr. Burris has been a leading voice in the fight against privatization and in support of strong, democratically governed public schools. Under her leadership, NPE has played a critical role in shaping public discourse on education policy, raising awareness about issues such as charter school accountability, standardized testing, and school funding equity.

Dr. Wool is honored for his outstanding work in advancing public education as an integral part of democracy in the U.S. Louis N. Wool, superintendent of the Harrison Central School District in Harrison, N.Y., has been honored with the prestigious title of Champion of Education by the Horace Mann League of the USA.

Dr. Valenzuela is the superintendent of Sahuarita Unified Schools, AZ. His contributions to public education embody the spirit of Horace Mann’s vision. He was recognized for this honor 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. Camhi’s innovative leadership in Baldwin Schools and her influential advocacy on a national stage make her a true champion for public education. Her work continues to make a profound difference in the lives of young learners, educators, and families throughout the U.S.”
A key element of Camhi’s success has been the creation of innovative pathways to graduation tailored to meet the needs of every student. Understanding that the one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t work, she has spearheaded the development of various high-interest, culturally responsive courses.