Marlee S. Bunch

marleesbunch@gmail.com

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 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

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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

References available upon request.