SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 16, 2026--
Horace Mann, the leading insurance and financial services company dedicated to educators and Crayola, the brand known for inspiring creativity have partnered to bring a dynamic professional development experience to educators across the country that will give them personalized insights designed to strengthen creativity and collaboration in schools.
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Delivered by Crayola-trained Horace Mann representatives, the free Understanding Creativity workshop helps educators identify and understand their unique creative strengths, empower team collaboration, and embrace diverse ways of thinking, perceiving, and engaging.
“At Horace Mann, we’re committed to supporting educators in meaningful ways that go beyond financial solutions,” said Katie Hamilton, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Horace Mann. “Our partnership with Crayola allows us to help educators better understand themselves and each other, strengthen school culture, and ultimately enhance the impact they have every day.”
The Understanding Creativity workshop uses the Crayola Creative Styles Tool, which the brand introduced earlier this year. The tool is backed by decades of research and collaboration with leading experts in the field. In a short amount of time, participants gain insight into how they naturally think, perceive, and engage while also learning how to apply those insights to their leadership styles and classroom environments.
“Creativity is an essential life skill for everyone, at every age. It empowers every individual to reach their full potential and adapt to change,” said Cheri Sterman, Senior Director of Education at Crayola. “Research shows that 94% of parents and teachers value creativity and say it is critical for long-term success. Yet more than half of adults say they don’t have the creative confidence to nurture their children’s creativity. This training boosts teachers’ creative confidence. Discovering your creative preferences demonstrates that everyone is creative, in their own way. Understanding creative styles builds self-awareness and deepens collaboration among teaching colleagues.”
To learn more about hosting an Understanding Creativity workshop in your school or district, visit horacemann.com/UnderstandingCreativity.
About the Crayola and Horace Mann Partnership
Crayola and Horace Mann began their partnership when the financial company became an official sponsor of Crayola's 5th Annual Creativity Week held earlier this year. The free standards-aligned learning program highlights the transformative power of creativity to teach and learn across all subject areas. Reaching 20 million students in 146 countries through schools, libraries and homes, the annual virtual event provides schools, libraries, and families with inspiring and interactive content delivered by world-renowned creative talent, as well as resources to help bring children’s ideas to life.
About Horace Mann
Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest multiline financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. For more information, visit www.horacemann.com.
About Crayola
Crayola LLC, based in Easton, Pa., and a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Incorporated, is a global leader in creative experiences. Through its innovative and vibrant portfolio of products, content and experiences, the iconic brand has unleashed imaginations and empowered colorful self-expression for more than 120 years. Crayola is committed to nurturing creativity as a lifelong journey. From sparking a child’s first artistic adventure and helping parents and educators raise creatively alive children, to inspiring adults to embrace their creative spirit, the brand encourages individuals of all ages to explore, discover, celebrate and connect through the joy of making. Learn more at www.crayola.com.
(L-R) James Wells and Kelly Ruwe
