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My name is Melissa Brauer Applebee, and 2021-2 is my third 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 22nd 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 28 to 40. We also have a ridiculous dog, a King Charles Cavalier-Shih Tzu mix, named Rocko. 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. I also write a monthly blog, called "Using the Ruby Slippers." 

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.