Christopher B. Bjork

Christopher B. Bjork is a Professor of Education and Chair of the Education Department at Vassar College, holding the Dexter M. Ferry Jr. Chair. He has been at Vassar since 2002, specializing in international comparative education, educational reform, and youth sports studies. Certified for K-12 teaching, he has classroom experience in Japan and the U.S. His research explores global education systems, teacher training, and the societal impacts of youth sports commercialization.

Education:

• BA and MA in Education from Wesleyan University
• PhD in Educational Anthropology from Stanford University

Research Interests:

• International education systems and policy reforms
• Teacher education program effectiveness
• Social dynamics of youth sports industries
• Cross-cultural educational practices

His work bridges academic research with practical policy recommendations through collaborations with institutions like the World Bank and Indonesian Ministry of Education.

Awards:

• Fulbright Scholarships to Japan (2005-2006) and Indonesia (2012-2013)

Grants & Collaborations:

• Co-PI on Lumina Foundation grant studying under-resourced college success
• ECMC Foundation grant expanding community college transfer programs
• International research team improving Indonesian teacher quality

Labs/Teams: Leads Vassar's Education Policy Research Group and collaborates with the Sociology Department on youth sports studies. Oversees the Teacher Education Program and coordinates the Education Department's interdisciplinary initiatives.