For more than 25 years, Cortney Nowak was a shining light in the world of education. Her passion for literacy and helping young children learn were unparalleled…and her creativity and innovative thinking set her apart in her field. Being an extraordinarily successful educator truly was at the core of who Cortney was.

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Sadly, Cortney’s career in education was cut short way too soon following her untimely passing in July 2024 at the age of 47. Today, The Story Continues: The Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation strives to bring awareness and shed light on her work in literacy education, and to carry on her legacy.

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Cortney began her career at Midland Public Schools as both a special education and elementary classroom teacher. In 2006, she began her 17-year career with DeWitt Public Schools, initially as a first-grade teacher, and subsequently as a reading interventionist and then as an academic specialist. Cortney spent the last year of her career as the literacy consultant for Eaton County RESA.

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Cortney had a love for learning and a deep passion for literacy. In addition to her main job roles, Cortney participated in community book swaps, literacy parent events, tutoring and summer literacy programs.

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She was a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education and a master’s degree in early childhood education. Cortney began pursuing a doctorate degree through Capella University in the Fall of 2020. At the time of her passing she had completed half of her thesis work. In the Fall of 2024, Capella University posthumously awarded Cortney her Doctorate in Education, with a specialization in Reading and Literacy.