Brea Olinda High Teacher Ranked Best in California

A teacher at Brea Olinda High School known for teaching chess to elementary school students and Advanced Placement computer science to high schoolers was named Tuesday as California’s top teacher.

Scott Charles Malloy, who has taught Advanced Placement computer science and math at Brea Olinda for the last six years, will represent California in the National Teachers of the Year contest, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

“I think in a nutshell, Scott is able to expect a lot from his students, but at the same time help those out who need it to achieve,” Doug Kimberly, principal of Brea Olinda High, said when Malloy was named a finalist.

Another Orange County teacher, Dalynn Smith-Malek, who teaches art at Laguna Hills High School, also was selected as one of five of the state’s top teachers of the year.

State Supt. of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin named five California Teachers of the Year on Tuesday, but only one, Malloy, will go on to the national contest. The other teachers are Mary Allan of Antioch’s Jack London Elementary School, Adele Prince of Glendora High School and Jeff Wright of Stockton’s Lincoln High School.

“I am extremely proud of each of the 50 teachers who participated in the state competition,” Eastin said. “We all remember a teacher who inspired us, and these hard-working professionals influence the lives of our young people every day.”

Malloy has been teaching for 13 years and has won a National Science Foundation grant and an Eisenhower grant for furthering mathematics, science and technology education. He is known for his engaging style and personal rapport with students of all abilities, Eastin said.

In the past four years, Malloy has created courses in Advanced Placement statistics and computer science. He also teaches chess after school to elementary school students.

He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA and is completing his master’s degree in mathematics from Cal State Northridge.

The five new Teachers of the Year will be formally recognized Jan. 10 at the State Board of Education.