The Educational Career of Thomas A. Parker: Radical Reformer

• In Event: Biographical Sketches of Visionary and Transformative Educators

Abstract

Thomas Asbury Parker was born in 1838 and became the Missouri State Superintendent of Public Instruction at age 28. He was successful in helping implement both African-American public schooling, and public schooling in general in post-Civil War Missouri. Prior to the Civil War, most Missourians educated their children at home or in subscription schools and education of African-Americans had been illegal. Parker also promoted staff development for teachers through the extensive use of teacher institutes and he was largely responsible for the development and implementation of normal schools in Missouri, including institutions in Kirksville, Warrensburg, and the Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City, which was devoted to the training of black teachers.

Author

• John W. Hunt, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville