Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education

Definition

The Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education is a position responsible for overseeing public education in the state. This role was first held by Horace Mann, who served from 1837 to 1848 and is often called "the father of American public education."

Analogy

Think about this like being the principal for all schools in Massachusetts. Just as a school principal sets rules and standards for their school, the Secretary sets educational policies and standards for all schools in the state.

Related terms

Horace Mann: Known as "the father of American public education," he advocated for universal, free education and established teacher training programs.

Public Education: A system where education is provided by government or state rather than private institutions. It's typically funded by tax revenues.

Education Reform: Changes made to improve public education quality. These can include policy changes, increased funding, curriculum changes, etc.