Karlee Tenbusch is a social studies teacher at West Senior High, where she also advises The Occidentalist, the school’s student-run newspaper and website. In this role, she mentors aspiring young journalists and fosters a love for responsible reporting, critical thinking, and creative expression. Outside of the classroom, Karlee enjoys reading, being outside with her husband Zach and dog Marv, binge watching reality television, playing games with friends, and knitting by a fire.
Karlee is thrilled to serve on the board of the National Writers Series and believes strongly in its mission. As an avid reader and traveler, Karlee believes reading opens minds and broadens perspectives, especially for young people. She finds it quite special that a community the size of Traverse City brings in renowned authors while also offering transformative opportunities for young writers through workshops, scholarships, and hands-on learning experiences.
