District 88 recognizes Willowbrook CTE teacher for earning doctoral degree

During its Jan. 12 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the District 88 administration, recognized and celebrated Willowbrook Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher Amy Nowak for earning her doctoral degree.

Dr. Nowak earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in December 2025 from American College of Education after successfully defending her dissertation, titled “Challenges and Strategies for Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Culinary Arts Education: A Qualitative Case Study of Grades 6-12 in the United States.”

Dr. Nowak has nearly 25 years of experience as an educator in Family and Consumer Sciences and Career and Technical Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Studies in 1994 from Eastern Illinois University, as well as two master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University (Education, Curriculum and Instruction in 1996 and Educational Administration in 2004). She joined the Willowbrook family in 1999 as a substitute teacher and became a full-time staff member in 2002.

Throughout her career, Dr. Nowak has taught courses in culinary arts, interior design, child development, consumer management, parenting and fashion, and she previously served as the Family and Consumer Sciences Department Head. Dr. Nowak was instrumental in designing and implementing a student-run catering and restaurant program at Willowbrook, called The Brook Catering Co., which emphasizes real-world culinary operations, entrepreneurship and professional skill development.

Beyond her professional work in education, Dr. Nowak is actively involved in community service. She volunteers with The Outreach House, a nonprofit organization in Lombard that provides food, diapers, clothing and emergency assistance to low-income families, many of whom face language barriers or unemployment. She also volunteers as a baby cuddler at Edward Hospital, supporting infants and families during critical periods of care.

During the Jan. 12 meeting, the board presented Nowak with an engraved clock in honor of her dedication and commitment to enhancing the educational environment for the students, staff and learning community of District 88.

• To watch the presentation, click on the video above.
  
  
• To view a photo gallery, see the images below. Click on the images for photo captions.