Dr. Travis Bristol

Associate Professor

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Biography

Travis J. Bristol is an associate professor at the Berkeley School of Education with a focus on teacher education and education policy. His research examines how educational policies shape teachers' workplace experiences and retention, as well as the dynamics of professional learning communities within schools. Bristol's work emphasizes the intersections of race and gender in educational settings, and he has authored over 70 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Urban Education and the American Educational Research Journal. His edited volumes include significant works on the experiences of teachers of color and indigenous teachers. Bristol has received numerous fellowships and awards, including the National Academy Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. He is actively engaged in various editorial boards, chairs advisory groups related to teacher diversity, and provides keynote addresses at notable educational conferences and symposia worldwide. Bristol's academic pedigree includes an AB from Amherst College, an MA from Stanford University, and a PhD from Columbia University's Teachers College.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2018-07-01 — Present

Berkeley School of Education • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research in teacher education and education policy.

Peter Paul Assistant Professor

2017-08-01 — 2018-06-01

Boston University School of Education • Boston, MA

Taught coursework and conducted research related to education policy.

Research Policy Fellow

2014-08-01 — 2016-06-01

Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education • Stanford, CA

Conducted policy research.

Clinical Teacher Educator

2011-06-01 — 2014-07-01

Boston Teacher Residency • Boston, MA

Worked with teacher candidates in a residency program.

English Teacher

2004-09-01 — 2009-06-01

New York City Department of Education • New York City, NY

Taught English in high school.

Awards

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U.C. Berkeley Chancellor’s Award for Public Service - Faculty - Community Engaged Teaching

2025-05-01
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American Educational Research Association Early Career Award

2024-04-01
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American Educational Research Association Outstanding Reviewer Award

2022-04-01
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Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship

2020-05-01
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National Academy Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship

2019-05-01
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American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Teacher Diversity Research Award

2016-12-01
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National Academy Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship

2013-05-01

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.