Past President - Barb Dobrowolski (She/her/hers)

Barb Dobrowolski graduated from the University of Ottawa with degrees in Biochemistry-Nutrition, English, and a Bachelor of Education.

She started her teaching career at Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School in Russell, where her hard-working colleagues inspired her to advocate for teachers.

Barb quickly became involved with OECTA, serving as Chair of the Communications Committee in her first year during a work-to-rule. After three years of teaching, she became President of the Prescott-Russell Unit. She led the unit through some challenging times, including the Political Protest and the amalgamation of school boards under the Mike Harris government.

Her OECTA involvement continued in the newly formed Eastern Unit, where she served as Vice-President, President, and Teacher Welfare Officer.

Barb was first elected to the Provincial Executive in 2015. She has held the positions of Second Vice-President, First Vice-President, and took office as President on July 1, 2021. She is a proud feminist.

“Teachers are integral to communities,” says Barb.

"We see the effects of poverty and of public policy everyday in our classrooms. That is why teachers cannot help but be politically active. A deep care for our students drives us to work towards social justice, including a quality publicly funded education system – the great equalizer.”

When she is not busy, Barb likes to spend time with her family and friends, hike, cook, take on renovation projects, and travel.