Tomis Parker

I made the leap to New York City four years ago to begin working with Manhattan Free School -- pursuing my passion for building and supporting self-directed learning communities. After three years of growing pains and a year to catch my breath, I am excited about a fresh relaunch for Manhattan Free School, now embodying the emergence of Agile Learning Centers. 

Agile Learning Centers seeks to bring various principles from Agile and Lean Management/software design into convergence with what we know about the power of self-directed learning -- inspiring support structures and practices for self-initiated, project-based learning, and an entirely new approach to education. 

This summer, at Emerging Leader Labs, I will be working to both prepare for the school year at MFS, while also focusing on developing the practices and structures of an Agile Learning Center. I will be serving as the Community Manager, handling most of the communications and administrative work. As we grow the school's culture and community, we hope to support the expansion of Agile Learning Centers as a concept that can be replicated in other locations and in new contexts.