Marita Zuraitis, President and Chief Executive OfficerFounded in 1945 by educators for educators, Horace Mann was created with a clear purpose: to support those who serve in our schools with financial solutions built around their specific realities, not the broader mass market. That focus continues to guide how the company listens, designs solutions, and measures success today.
While many insurers start with products, Horace Mann starts with educators—their challenges, goals, and day-to-day financial pressures—and builds solutions around them. That includes understanding the realities of student loan debt, modest starting salaries, complex retirement systems, and the personal investment many educators make in their classrooms. By addressing the unique financial realities educators face, Horace Mann plays a role in strengthening the profession by attracting new talent, improving retention, and supporting educators throughout their careers.
For many, the financial journey begins with difficult trade-offs. Horace Mann’s approach is grounded in helping educators navigate those early challenges while building toward long-term financial stability and confidence. The company relies on decades of educator-specific data, continuous feedback loops, and direct presence within school systems to guide decision-making.
Helping Educators Secure Lifelong Financial Success
How does Horace Mann design financial solutions to support educators throughout their careers?
Steve Chauby, Chief Marketing OfficerInstead of treating each product as a one-time transaction, the company focuses on supporting educators over time. Early in a teacher’s career, that might mean helping to manage debt and establish basic protection. As needs evolve, the focus shifts to retirement planning, growing savings and protecting what matters most.
“At our core, we’re here to help educators protect what they have today and secure lifelong financial success,” says Marita Zuraitis, president and CEO.
That support is shaped by both experience and ongoing listening. Horace Mann works with educator advisory panels of more than 800 participants, along with smaller councils representing a wide range of roles across the education system. These groups provide ongoing insight into the financial challenges, policy gaps, and emerging pressures educators face.
Equally important is how the company shows up day-to-day for educators. Horace Mann’s agents work within school communities, offering financial literacy workshops, helping explain retirement systems, and providing guidance during key financial decisions. For many educators, having someone who understands both their profession and their finances makes a meaningful difference.
Digital tools also play an important role, giving educators convenient access to information and resources. While most begin their journey online, many move toward agent interaction as financial decisions become more complex. Horace Mann provides options so educators can interact when, where and how they choose, ensuring accessibility and trusted support.
Greater Flexibility, Less Stress
Why is managing student loan debt a critical part of educators’ financial stability?
Student loan debt remains one of the most significant financial challenges educators face today. Horace Mann offers programs designed to help educators understand their options, navigate forgiveness programs, and stay on track.
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At our core, we help educators protect what they have today and secure lifelong financial success.
Educator Robert Marshall, III, a first-generation college student who ended up with over $185,000 in student loans pursuing an education specialist degree, utilized Horace Mann’s Student Loan Solutions program that gives educators no-cost access to the tools and resources they need to take control of their debt. “Thanks to the forgiveness program, all of my student loan debt has been wiped out,” says Marshall.
Washington state educator Agnes Wooters has experienced a similar life-changing result. “With the help of Horace Mann, I was able to navigate the process and receive more than $195,000 in loan forgiveness,” Wooters states. “I couldn’t have done it without their guidance.”
When debt is better managed, it can open the door to new possibilities, whether that’s contributing more toward retirement, strengthening financial protection, or simply reducing day-to-day stress. Helping educators create that flexibility is a key part of how Horace Mann supports them.
Creating a Community for Educators
In what way does Horace Mann build long-term relationships and community support for educators?
Horace Mann’s commitment extends beyond financial solutions. Programs such as the Horace Mann Club™ provide access to professional development, wellness resources, classroom support, and financial tools. These offerings are designed to address areas where educators often lack structured support.
“We’re more than a financial services and insurance company; we create a community for educators to thrive personally, professionally and financially,” says Steve Chauby, chief marketing and distribution officer.
Guided by the Belief that Educators Deserve More
Horace Mann takes a relationship approach designed to grow with educators over time. Relationships are maintained through regular check-ins to help ensure financial plans stay aligned with life changes, career progressions and evolving goals.
This long-term focus has helped build lasting relationships and trust, which is especially important when navigating major financial decisions.
Looking ahead, Horace Mann is focused on reaching more educators and continuing to enhance how it serves them. This includes expanded partnerships, improved digital experiences, and simple processes.
Even as the company evolves, its motivation remains the same: educators are looking after our children’s futures, and they deserve someone who’s looking out for theirs. They deserve support built around their unique experiences and designed to help them achieve lifelong financial success.
