Education, DEI & Research focused
Marlee S. Bunch
Marlee Bunch holds two graduate degrees—an MEd from DePaul University and an MS from Emporia State University. She is in process of completing her EdD in Education, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in diversity and equity from the University of Illinois. Her background also includes fifteen years of experience in teaching/education. She has taught literature, Advanced English, Reading/Writing Workshops, Adult Education, and poetry. She is the current Senior Director of Diversity and Culture for Comprehensive Mental Health and a contracted Director of Education and Diversity for Race Project KC.
Education
Degrees, certifications and endorsements earned
Expected completion August 2022
Ed.D., Education, Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Diversity and Equity
University of Illinois, in process.
2012
M.S., Gifted Education
Emporia State University, Emporia, KS
2003
M.A., Secondary Education/English
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
2001
B.A., English (minor in Psychology)
National-Louis University, Evanston, IL
Current
Certifications & Endorsements
Teaching Certification 6-12 (English and Social Studies)
Gifted Certification 9-12
ESL Endorsement
Awards & Achievements
Fox 4 News Reaching for Excellence (Troubadour Poetry Group)
Kansas City, 2012
Turner Points of Light Award
Kansas City, KS, 2011
Selected Panel Speaker for Annual James Joyce Symposium
2003
Presenter, National Conference for Teachers of English
2014
Coach and Sponsor, Louder Than A Bomb KC
2018 - 2019
Virtual Panel Member Diversity Discussion, Suburban Balance
2020
Equity Task Force Member, Suburban Balance
2020
Ambassador, Suburban Balance
2020
Moderator for discussion with Tanner Colby
2021
Moderator for discussion with John Eligon- New York Times Journalist,
2021
Experience
Current and past roles
June 2021-current
Comprehensive Mental Health, Independence, MO
Senior Director of Diversity and Culture
Aug 2020-current
Race Project KC, Kansas City, MO
Contracted Director of Education and DEI
Aug 2016-2020
Blue Springs School District, Blue Springs, MO
Instructor, English Language Arts - Fall 2016
Director, Adult Education
Summer 2015
Smith College, Amherst, MA
Instructor, Creative Writing
Fall 2013-2016
Raytown High School, Kansas City, MO
Instructor, English Language Arts
Fall 2011-2013
Kauffman Scholars, Kansas City, MO
Literacy Coordinator and Educator - Spring 2013
Academic Coach, English Language Arts - Spring 2012
Academic Coach, English Language Arts - Fall 2011
Fall 2011
Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
Instructor, Writing Workshop
Fall 2008-Spring 2011
Turner High School, Kansas City, MO
Instructor, 12th Grade Advanced College Credit English (dual credit with KCKCC) - Spring 2011
Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Spring 2011
Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Fall 2010
Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Spring 2010
Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Fall 2009
Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Spring 2009
Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Fall 2008
Instructor, 9th Grade English & 11th Grade Reading Enrichment - Spring 2008
Fall 2007-Fall 2008
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Co-Instructor, “Readings for Writers” (International Writing Program) - Spring 2008
Co-Instructor, “Readings for Writers” (International Writing Program) - Fall 2007
Fall 2004-Spring 2005
Catalina Foothills High School, Tucson, AZ
Instructor, “The Art of Writing”
Summer 2003
GEAR Up Project, Chicago, IL
Instructor, English Language Arts
Fall 2001-Spring 2003
America Reads Project, Chicago, IL
Tutor & Coordinator
Fall 1999-Spring 2001
Baker Demonstration School, Chicago, IL
Assistant Teacher & Tutor, English Language Arts
Administrative experience
2011-2013
Kauffman Scholars, Kansas City, MO
Missouri Literacy Director
Provide administrative support for the ELA Department
Develop programming structures and policies for ELA Department
Coordinate, design, and implement 7th-9th grade curriculum
Arrange professional development for the team
Manage direct reports at the Missouri site
Track sick and vacation requests
Procure subs when necessary
Assist in ensuring program adherence to all department and company guidelines
Editorial work
If Ever the World (Troubadours), Editor, Red Hen Press, 2011