Dorothy Jean Barnes is originally from Jackson, Mississippi.  She is a 1970 graduate from Jackson State College, currently known as Jackson State University (JSU), Jackson, Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.  She taught one year in Prentiss, Mississippi (fall 1970); and fall 1971, she obtained employment with Saint Paul Public Schools District #625 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Dorothy Jean earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) in 1980.  After 33 years of teaching for Saint Paul Public Schools and private institutions (grades K-8), she retired in 2004.  Presently, Ms. Dorothy is the CEO/Executive Director for Minnesota COPE Program, giving back 75% to 80% of her salary to the organization.

While employed with Saint Paul Public Schools, Ms. Dorothy’s career was busy and exciting.  She supervised and trained teachers and teacher aides (in the district) on how to utilize a program called Elementary Science Studies (ESS) in the classrooms.  Additionally, she taught English as a second language; and for 18 years, she supervised and coordinated the Title 1 / Chapter 1 Program in Saint Paul Schools.

On July 15, 2017, Ms. Dorothy received an award for Excellence in Education from Planting People Growing Justice (Saint Paul, Minnesota); and she was recognized and received a Lifetime Award for Excellence in Teaching – National Teacher Day, while working at Benjamin E. Mays (the New Rondo Center in Saint Paul Schools) on May 3, 1994.  Due to her outstanding participation in chapter activities with Upsilon Epsilon Chapter at JSU, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Ms. Dorothy received recognition on November 17, 2002.

Some of the highlights of community service projects included: Co-founder, Chair of the first Diversity Program at Saint Thomas Academy (Mendota Heights, Minnesota), where her son Calvin-Allen went to school; Founder, implementing and coordinating the first work-study program at Benjamin E. Mays, Ronda Educational Center (Saint Paul, Schools) for 7th and 8th graders; and teaching Human Relations for the White Bear Lake School District.  Furthermore, Ms. Dorothy completed the community corrections orientation and training   for the Ramsey County Community Correction Center/Department; for several years she taught for the City of Saint Paul 20-10-10 Parent Network Organization; and she was the Founder – Supervisor and teacher for after school Baton Twirling and Dance Program at Parkway Elementary School (Saint Paul Public Schools).  

Ms. Dorothy is now busy raising funds for Minnesota COPE Program to support scholars attending high school in Minnesota, college students, and students attending JSU.  She has also written grants for three other non-profits organizations, Delores Works, the National Empowerment Group, Inc., and Planting People Growing Justice located in Minnesota.