Interdisciplinary Educator & Educational Historian.
Dr. Marlee S. Bunch
marleebunch@gmail.com or unlearningthehush.com
Marlee Bunch holds a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois and two additional graduate degrees. Her background also includes sixteen years of experience in teaching and education. She has taught literature, Advanced English, Reading/Writing Workshops, Adult Education, and poetry.
Education
Degrees, certifications and endorsements earned
December 2022
Ed.D., Education, Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Diversity and Equity
&
Certificate of Specialization in Diversity and Equity in Education
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
Internship, Office of the Chancellor, University of Illinois
2021-current
2022
Collaborative Art Exhibit & Curator, Unlearning the Hush Exhibit
HAW Contemporary Gallery, Kansas City
2003
Presenter, National Conference for Teachers of English
Selected Panel Speaker for Annual James Joyce Symposium
2014
Coach & Sponsor, Louder Than A Bomb Poetry Group
2018 - 2019
Moderator for discussion with Tanner Colby
Moderator for discussion with John Eligon- New York Times Journalist
2021
Equity Task Force Member, Suburban Balance
2020-2022
Fox 4 News Reaching for Excellence (Troubadour Poetry Group)
2012
Narrator for Audio Book, Learning from Loss (author Brittany Collins)
2022
Turner Points of Light Teaching Award
2011
Experience
June 2021-June 2023
Burrell Behavioral Health/CMHS, Independence, MO
Senior Director of Diversity/Equity/Inclusion
Aug 2020-May 2022
Race Project KC, Kansas City, MO
Director of Education
Aug 2016-2020
Blue Springs School District, Blue Springs, MO
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Instructor, Advanced English Language Arts - Fall 2016
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Director, Adult Education - Fall 2017- 2020
Summer 2015
Smith College, Amherst, MA
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Instructor, Creative Writing
Fall 2013-2016
Raytown High School, Kansas City, MO
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Instructor, English Language Arts
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Instructor, Dual College Credit Writing (UMKC)
Fall 2011-2013
Kauffman Scholars, Kansas City, MO
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Literacy Coordinator and Educator - Spring 2013
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Academic Coach, English Language Arts - Spring 2011-12
Fall 2011
Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
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Instructor, Writing Workshop- Fall 2011
Fall 2008-Spring 2011
Turner High School, Kansas City, MO
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Instructor, 12th Grade Advanced College Credit English (dual credit with KCKCC) - Spring 2011
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Instructor, 9th Grade Advanced & Regular English - Spring 2008-2011
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Instructor, 9th Grade English & 11th Grade Reading Enrichment - Spring 2008
Fall 2007-Fall 2008
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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Co-Instructor, “Readings for Writers” (International Writing Program) - Spring 2007-2008
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
Administrative Experience
2011-2013
Kauffman Scholars, Kansas City, MO
Missouri Literacy Director
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Develop programming structures and policies for ELA Department
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Coordinate, design, and implement 7th-12th grade curriculum
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Arrange professional development for the team
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Manage direct reports
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Procure subs when necessary
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Assist in ensuring program adherence to all department and company guidelines