C&I alum recognized as ILA 30 Under 30 honoree

C&I alumna Anna Bjork was recently named one of the International Literacy Association (ILA) 30 Under 30. ILA is a professional organization connecting research and practice to continuously improve the quality of literacy instruction across the globe. It publishes the list biannually to “celebrate the rising innovators, disruptors, and visionaries in the literacy field,” according to the ILA website. 

Bjork, who earned her M.Ed. and Initial Teaching License in Second Language Education in 2015, teaches English language learning at Minnetonka Public Schools. In a previous teaching role, Bjork was instrumental in raising her English language learning student’s language proficiency by over 13 percent in just four years. In addition, Bjork has created culturally sensitive curriculum to serve Muslim students, volunteered as a mentor to new teachers, and developed after-school programs for her students.

“I am constantly impressed by the work ethic students have to improve their skills,” Bjork told ILA in an interview. “I have confidence that my students will be leading forces in making a brighter future for themselves and the world.” 

Learn more about Second Language Education degrees and programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.