Parker, Francis Wayland (1837-1902), an American educator, exerted great influence on modern educational practice. He urged that classrooms be informal and free from old-time strict discipline, and that the child be made the center of the educational process. Parker also developed strong programs of science and geography in the elementary schools. In 1883, he became head of the Cook County (Chicago) Normal School and began teaching his methods to teachers. In 1899, he founded the Chicago Institute. When this school became the University of Chicago’s department of education, Parker became the director of the department.
Parker was born on Oct. 9, 1837, in Bedford Township, New Hampshire. He taught in New Hampshire and Illinois. In 1872, he went to Germany to study experiments in education. He died on March 2, 1902.
