Dr. Louis Wool
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. Manuel Valenzuela
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. Shari Camhi
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.
Dr. Carol Burris
The Horace Mann League (HML) is proud to announce that Carol Burris, Executive Director of the Network for Public Education (NPE), has been selected as the next Horace Mann League Champion of Public Education. This prestigious award recognizes Burris’s unwavering dedication to public education, her tireless advocacy for equitable policies, and her commitment to strengthening America’s public schools.
As the Executive Director of NPE, 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.
“Carol Burris exemplifies the ideals of Horace Mann, who championed public education as the great equalizer in American society,” said David Berliner, Horace Mann League Board Member. “Her work has been instrumental in defending and advancing the mission of public schools across the country.”
Burris, a former award-winning principal, has been widely recognized for her thought leadership in education policy. She has authored numerous articles and reports highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the public school system. Her expertise and advocacy have made a lasting impact on education at both the state and national levels. Burris was recognized once before by the Horace Mann League, as the 2018 Outstanding Public Educator.