About Dr. Bunch

Where Strategy and Storytelling Intersect

Dr. Marlee S. Bunch is an interdisciplinary educator, researcher, advocate for students, seeker of social justice and equity, and lifelong learner. With over sixteen years of teaching experience at the secondary and post-secondary level, she has continuously worked in diverse classrooms and sought to ensure that students receive equitable and rigorous instruction and mentorship.

Research

My research explores the lives and stories of Black female educators, pre- and post-Brown, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, between 1954 and 1971. It examines the historical implications of public-school desegregation in Hattiesburg, and the ways in which Black female teachers bore the brunt of this difficult experiment in American history. 

The study explores the lives and stories of these women, examines the historical implications of public-school desegregation in Hattiesburg, and draws connections between history and current day concerns in K-12 schools. Ever-present in this study’s findings are the facts that Black female teachers in Hattiesburg were at the forefront of these desegregation efforts, and despite the challenges endured, they remained steadfast in shining their light for their students caught in the crossfire of undoing centuries of segregation policy and practice.  

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Create equitable learning spaces for all ages with the HUSH Framework

Rooted in research and oral histories, this framework paired with ready-to-use tools & templates, helps teachers create equitable classroom lessons and activities that support all students.

Education

2020-2022

Ed.D., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Doctoral degree.
Education / Policy / Organization Leadership
Concentration in Diversity /Equity / Inclusion.
2010-2012

Masters of Science, Emporia State University

Masters of Science.
Gifted Education degree
and certification.
2001-2003

Masters of Education, DePaul University

Masters of Education.
Secondary teaching certification- English and Social Studies.
ESL certification. Gifted certification.
Diversity / Equity / Inclusion certification.
1997-2001

Bachelor of Arts, National-Louis University

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Minor in psychology.
Testimonials

What people say about me

"This framework encourages us to interrogate the null curricula – or what is NOT said, studied, or addressed in the classroom - and to challenge those silences and gaps, while also understanding that there is implicit curricula ignited by all that we include and exclude in our own affect, curricula, and engagement in the classroom."
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"I remember back in that classroom, Marlee told us about the importance of being a mentor. To guide and to help raise a young person up on a platform to fully realize their own capabilities. I am so grateful to know such a strong, intelligent, woman who I want to grow up to be just like. Her vast knowledge and ability to make people feel connected and challenged is unparalleled."
Charlotte S., student
"As a former student of Marlee Bunch, I've experienced this framework in action. Through the framing of her lessons, Marlee's enlightened and empowered her students. Through her lessons, I've been able to explore my own identity, while also being enabled to understand and connect to the unique lived experiences and histories of my classmates. 15 years later, when I re-read the free write journal entries I wrote in 9th grade, I feel grateful for the intentionality Marlee brought to the classroom.
Elijah Marquez
"I think all grade levels would benefit from educators using the HUSH framework in their planning/lessons/texts/materials because it emphasizes teaching culturally rather than merely teaching culture. Students encounter and experience different cultures but also forms of marginalization from a young age. In this way I believe the framework's assertion that joy and trauma can coexist and serve as a justice response is universal across grade levels."
Chrissy K., University of Illinois Pre-service Teacher

how to collaborate with Dr. Bunch

The best things happen through collaboration. Reach out for consultation or facilitation opportunities.

Equity-centered Consulting

For equity centered consultation, speaking engagements, or facilitation opportunities, please reach out to Dr. Bunch.​

Speaking Engagements

Dr. Bunch is committed to connecting with educators and the community. Some of the areas of content she can speak to include:

  • The HUSH Framework 

  • Education (middle school/high-school/gifted education/ESL)

  • English Language Arts 

  • Writing/Poetry/Creative Writing

  • Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI)

  • Unlearning the Hush study of Black female educators 

  • Curriculum design

  • Implementing best classroom practices

  • Mentoring

Teaching Resources