Molly Dunn

Molly Dunn is an Assistant Professor at the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Education. With a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership from the University of Maryland (2017), she specializes in urban education, Catholic school leadership, and contemplative pedagogies. Her experience spans rural parochial schools in south Texas, urban public schools in Chicago, and international teaching in Venezuela.

• Education: Ph.D. (University of Maryland, 2017), M.Ed. in Early Childhood Literacy (University of Notre Dame, 2000), B.A. in History and Latin American Studies (University of Notre Dame, 1998)

Dr. Dunn's research focuses on educational equity, mindfulness-based classroom interventions, and the intersection of social justice with pedagogical practice. Her recent publications analyze compassion training for educators, spiritual engagement in schools, and contemplative methods for transforming post-secondary education.

She actively participates in academic collaborations through memberships in the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), and Association for the Contemplative Mind in Higher Education (ACMHE). Her awards include being named a Contemplative Social Justice Scholar (2017) and Fund for Teachers Fellow (2007).

Dr. Dunn's work bridges classroom practice, leadership development, and systemic reform. She has presented at major conferences like AERA and CIES, emphasizing how mindfulness and compassion can address challenges in high-needs schools while preparing educators for diverse environments.