Third VP - Julie Altomare-Di Nunzio
With over 30 years of dedicated service in education, Julie has been a steadfast advocate for teachers’ rights, professional dignity, and well-being, always committed to supporting our publicly funded Catholic education system.
Her journey in union activism began early in her teaching career during the political protests against the Mike Harris government. She joined the Toronto elementary strike committee — later renamed the "lockout committee" when the Board locked out its teachers without pay for two weeks — marking the beginning of her deep commitment to union advocacy and the fair treatment of educators.
A proud daughter of immigrant parents, Julie was raised with a strong emphasis on education, perseverance, and integrity. These values, nurtured by her supportive family, have fueled her accomplishments and ongoing pursuit of growth and positive change.
Julie spent much of her classroom career teaching French as a Second Language (FSL), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Grades 3 through 8 in diverse, multicultural communities in Scarborough. Known for her inclusive, engaging, and nurturing approach, she created classroom environments where students felt valued and excited to learn — frequently hearing from them that school was fun because of “Mrs. Di Nunzio.”
Her leadership in the Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers (TECT) unit began with her election as a Councillor, progressing through successive roles: Secretary, Third Vice-President, Second Vice-President, First Vice-President, President, and Past President. She currently serves as TECT’s Benefits and Accommodations Officer. Provincially, she has served as a Governor and is a member of the OECTA Employee Life and Health Trust (ELHT).
As President, Julie led her local through significant challenges, including the OECTA provincial strike, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an extended Work-to-Rule campaign that resulted in substantial gains for her permanent and occasional teacher members. She is especially proud of amplifying teachers’ voices through media advocacy and public delegations to the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Trustees.
Julie has chaired and contributed to numerous standing and joint local committees, with a strong focus on teacher mental health, political action, and advancing women in leadership. She is deeply committed to fostering a healthy, supportive work environment for all educators.
Looking ahead, Julie is honoured to continue her service to the Association as OECTA’s Third Vice-President, where she will bring her experience and unwavering commitment to represent teachers from across Ontario.
Julie is also a proud mother of two daughters who have recently embarked on their own teaching journeys. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and attending classic car shows with her husband.