Malia Dunn ’91 is an instructional coach in Dorchester District 2. She is in her 27th year of teaching, held National Board Certification for 20 years, and was a SC Honor Roll Teacher of the Year in 2004-2005. In 2019, she received the Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative Excellence in Mathematics Teaching Award.
What she loves most about being an educator is the impact she makes in her student’s lives. “There are so many opportunities to change the world when you’re a teacher.” For those entering their first year of teaching, she advises them to create a supportive community. “Reach out to others. Create a network of teachers, students, parents, community members, and administrators to support you as you learn and grow into this amazing profession.”
In addition to her passion of teaching, Malia is the creator of the Party of One, or Life After Death blog which is read around the world. After losing her husband, she felt called to document the road to recovery and to discuss grief. While her husband passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends, she saw many patients who were completely alone in the hospital. This inspired her to become involved in pet therapy at MUSC where she takes Beatrice, her therapy dog, regularly to see patients. She also serves on MUSC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council.
