- Public education became a major focus of reformers in the early-mid 1800s as they sought to establish tax-supported schools that would promote social harmony and civic engagement. However, schools often remained inefficient with untrained teachers. - Horace Mann was a leading advocate for educational reform as Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education in the 1830s-40s. He campaigned for longer school years, improved facilities, higher teacher pay and an expanded curriculum. - Women's access to education also expanded during this time through the establishment of schools like Emma Willard's Troy Female Seminary in 1821 and Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in 1837, though coeducation remained controversial.