The Horace Mann League uses the backdrop of the AASA national conference to pass out its annual recognition awards.

During the public schooling advocacy group’s 2019 annual luncheon on Friday, Feb. 15, the Outstanding Public Educator honor will be presented to Jeannie Oakes, Presidential professor emeritus in educational equity at UCLA. She works with the Learning Policy Institute on projects related to deeper student learning, teacher preparation and resource equity. She plays a leadership role in LPI's work with the Partnership for the Future of Learning.

The Outstanding Friend of Public Education award will be given to Henry Levin, professor of economics and education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Levin's special areas of interest are the economics of education, cost-effectiveness analysis, school reform and privatization. He is co-director of the Center for Benefit-Cost Studies in Education.

The Outstanding Friend of the Horace Mann League will be awarded to Andy Schaefer, vice president of Discovery Education for more than 10 years. Based in the company’s Chicago office, he has been a strong advocate of public education and the mission and purpose of the Horace Mann League. Schaefer has assisted the league in building a stronger relationship with corporate partners.