Michael has comprehensive experience in preschool, elementary, middle, and high school in school systems including Chicago Public Schools, Cumberland County, Wilson County, and Wake County. These settings have given Michael an array of perspectives on effective teaching and learning protocols to positively impact all students. With an emphasis on the customization of learning for the whole child, Michael has spent 30 years in schools focusing on support and direct instruction reflective of research-based strategies and teaching methodologies. 

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Michael's passion is helping students formulate motivation, stamina, drive, and a strategic focus to ensure students advocate and develop an assortment of tools for success in all the diverse areas of their learning. He aims to establish unique relationships with a prime goal of student growth and development. Dr. Applewhite is committed to fostering plans of action that embrace collective responsibility for academic success and supportive relationships to ease transitions and areas of struggle. Michael's goal is to ensure an aligned focus of learning targets and interventions to promote continuous robust learning. 

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Michael is married to his wife, Tawnya, and has an extensive family. He grew up in Henderson, North Carolina, and played football for Northern Vance High School. Michael was recruited to play college football at UNC-Chapel Hill but transferred to East Carolina University to finish his degree and football experience. After college, Michael played for the Arizona Cardinals. Due to injuries, he decided to end his career in football and return home and pursue his love for teaching and learning. Michael is interested in helping student-athletes find success and balance in academics and life due to the pressures of school/academics, scholarship opportunities, college navigation, and family/friends.