THOMASVILLE — Thomas County is in Maria Pittman’s DNA. Born and raised here, she graduated from Thomas County Central High School in 2017. This year, she returned to her alma mater as its newest art instructor.

“The art teacher position becoming open was such a blessing,” Pittman said. “I will forever be grateful to be back in the school system that played such a big role in molding me to be the person I am today.”

Pittman recognized her passion for the visual arts while in high school, the first time she ever took an art class.

“I was always a crafty person but never honestly knew I could draw or would even like doing it,” she said. “When I started making art, it easily became an escape for me. I was never a student that enjoyed reading or academic classes, but art became a place where I felt safe and happy.”

Art was Pittman’s place to express herself, something she feels is vital for all youth.

“So many high schoolers face emotional problems they don’t know how to express themselves, and with art, I found how to do that,” she said. “Art is a very symbolic, emotional process for me, and honestly, I probably wouldn’t be sane today if it didn’t find me all those years ago!”

Pittman has a degree in art education from Valdosta State University. Her first encounter with teaching was at the Valdosta Turner Center for the Arts, where she instructed art students from the local Boys and Girls Club. Immediately, she knew education was her calling. Pittman completed her student teaching at Cross Creek Elementary School and got the job at TCCHS directly after college graduation.

“I always had a love for school, so I thought I would be an art teacher,” Pittman said. “Little did I know how much I would love this career.”

The instructor enjoys every class she teaches: four levels of Visual Art Comprehensive and Advanced Placement 2D design, 3D design, and drawing. Some of her artistic influences include Jim Dine, Frida Kahlo and Salvador DalÍ. 

Her essential advice for her students is simple: enjoy themselves, and not everything is a mistake.

“Create for you,” she said. “Don’t worry about others’ opinions of your artwork. Art is one of the things that you can never get wrong. Don’t shut down if you make a ‘mistake.’ Some of my favorite artworks happened due to making a ‘mistake.’” 

Junior Laura Hiers, 16, appreciates Pittman’s accessibility and flexibility.

“Mrs. Pittman really works with her students instead of having us work for her,” she said. “When she gives us assignments, she allows for creativity and helps us improve on our ideas.”

Freshman Logan Griffin said Pittman taught him to be himself.

“I have learned that individuality is important, that everyone has a way of doing things, and this creates unique artworks,” he said. “I have also learned that you cannot judge a person for their individuality.”

Students also like their teacher’s positive attitude and encouragement.

“She is a very fun and bubbly person,” senior Katie Giemza, 17, said. “She is very caring and understanding.”

Pittman adapted her classes during remote learning by having remote students check out post-secondary options in the art field: graphic designer, interior designer, fashion designer, etc.

“I wanted my students to know where art can take them in the future,” she said. “We explored different careers. Students chose a career to focus on and did a research project on the career. After finishing the research paper, the students were to create an art project as if they worked in the career they chose. For example, if a student chose the animator career, then a student would design character ideas.”

Now that Thomas County Schools has implemented its “Finish Strong” initiative and encouraged remoted learners to return to in-person lessons, Pittman anticipates seeing more of her students in the classroom.

“I’m extremely excited to welcome back many of my remote students,” she said. “In-person classes allow for my personal feedback for each student. I can physically see what students are working on each day, and it also allows the students to get the opinions of their peers as they work on their artworks.” 

Pittman, married to husband Daniel, a museum educator, has three “fur babies:” Alice (tabby cat), Scooby (mini dachshund) and Luna (Aussie/lab mix). In her off-hours, Pittman enjoys spending time with loved ones and kayaking with her husband. 

“There is nothing more relaxing than paddling down a calm river,” she said. “We love to take in the wildlife such as snakes, gators, cranes, ducks, crabs, and dolphins that we’ve seen on our adventures.”

And Pittman is glad to embark upon her educational career adventure at TCCHS, a place she calls home.

“I was born and raised a Yellow Jacket, and I’m thankful to be back in the nest I call home,” she said. “My favorite part of being a Yellow Jacket is the pride, kindness, and school spirit every teacher, administrator, and staff carry with them each day as they come to work and be here for our students. It’s exactly how I remember it as a student, and I am so thankful to be back as a teacher.”