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My name is Melissa Brauer Applebee, and 2023-4 is my fifth year teaching English here at Bement High School. I came to teaching via a rather circuitous route that included work as a policy analyst, a librarian, an editor, and a piano teacher.

As a teacher, this is my 24th year. I am very excited to have all four grades this year among my classes. In addition to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, I have two section of seniors--a regular section and an advanced one. 

I have a B.A. in English from Mississippi University for Women, and a Masters in Education from Eastern Illinois University. I have taught English in grades 8-12, and social studies, 9-12.

My family is a blended one; my husband, Charlie, and I have six grown kids between us that range in age from 30 to 42. We also have a ridiculous dog, a King Charles Cavalier-Shih Tzu mix, named Rocko. And as of August 2022, I have a precious granddaughter named Lois Ivory. Charlie is a painting contractor, owner and operator of Applebee Painting. We live in Urbana. 

While I don't have time for a lot of hobbies, I do enjoy reading (unique for an English teacher, eh?), movies, hiking, and game nights with my family.  

If you ever need to get in touch with me, email is the quickest way, mapplebee@bement.k12.il.us, or you may call 678.4251, extension 127.