Louise Pitts, 60, of Clanton is principal at Jemison Elementary School. She and her husband, Barry, have four children: Samantha Pitts Sims (Kyle), who has two children, Samuel (kindergarten student at Jemison Elementary) and Joseph (student in 3-year-old program at Chilton Christian Academy); Sally Pitts Fichtner (Kevin), who has a 6-month-old, Olivia Faith; B.J. Pitts (Tia), who has three children, Hailee (kindergarten student at Jemison Elementary) and 2-year-old twins, Lindsey and Lily; and Jessica Pitts, engaged to William Trotman.
PEACH LIVING MAGAZINE: How long have you lived in Chilton County?
LOUISE PITTS: Basically, I have lived here all my life.
PL: How long have you worked in the Chilton County School System?
LP: This is my 38th year.
PL: Describe the positions you’ve held in the education field, from your first job to your current job, and the years you were in each position.
LP: At Jemison High School, I taught seventh, eighth and ninth grade Alabama history, 10th grade world history, 11th grade U.S. history; eighth grade English; eighth grade math; basic math skills for the Alabama High School Graduation Exam; and psychology and sociology for a total of 25 years. While at Jemison High School, I sponsored the majorettes, Student Council, Junior Class and newspaper. Also, I served as an assistant tennis coach and then head tennis coach. I was an assistant principal at Jemison Elementary School for three years before becoming principal. This is my 10th year as principal of Jemison Elementary School.
PL: Describe your academic background.
LP: I am a 1971 graduate of Chilton County High School, where I was a member of several clubs and organizations including the band and a being a majorette. I graduated from Auburn University in 1975 with a double major in history and political science. I received my master’s degree from The University of Montevallo in 1980 and my Ed.S. degree from The University of Montevallo in 2005.
PL: When did you know you wanted to have a career in education?
LP: In high school, I began to lean in this direction. During my sophomore year at Auburn University, through a philanthropy organization, I worked with underprivileged students. That experience confirmed in my mind that I wanted to become a teacher.
PL: Why did you choose education?
LP: My grandmother, Vivian Klinner, was a teacher and I had several wonderful high school teachers who demonstrated a positive attitude to all their students, were compassionate, witty and loved their job. These characteristics and behaviors influenced my life in the direction of education.
PL: What do you love about your job?
LP: I have always loved the students, k–12, and wanted to impact their lives in a positive way. Seeing the students smile, learning and participating in the learning process makes me enjoy my job. I also have a wonderful faculty that is making a difference for their students, a fun and caring lunchroom staff and great custodians.
PL: What is your mindset when you walk into your school each morning?
LP: Happy, energetic and full of drive to improve the future of the students at Jemison Elementary School.
PL: In your time in education, what are several of your fondest memories?
LP: A few of my fondest memories are of students I tutored for the graduation test passing it; students I tutored for algebra improving and passing the tests; having the annual dedicated to me; being selected as Teacher of the Year; having former students call or come back and tell me how I influenced their lives; and having Jemison Elementary School score 100 percent on the state report card for seven straight years.
PL: What is it like to see your former students grow up, graduate and start their adult lives?
LP: It is amazing. Seeing these former students with their families and hearing what all they are doing brings a sense of joy to me. Also, as the principal of JES, I now have contact with several of my former students because their children attend JES. Jemison High School allows some of their students to come to JES as aides. This allows me to see how some of the students who attended JES have grown and become responsible teenagers.
PL: Have you had any personal mentors? If so, who are they, and how did they impact your life?
LP: I was fortunate to have some wonderful and giving professors at The University of Montevallo who shared their experiences and gave me advice.
PL: What are your plans for the next five to 10 years?
LP: I plan to remain in the Chilton County education system. I still think that I am making a difference in the lives of students, and I do enjoy my job.
PL: Do you have a favorite quote, motto, Bible verse or saying? What is it?
LP: In my office hangs two quotes: “Character – Be true to your work, your word, and your friends.” by Henry David Thoreau; and “Excellence – Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible.”
PL: When you’re not at school, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
LP: I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and reading.
PL: What is the best advice you can give to others?
LP: It is easy to love the smart children, the well behaved children, the children whose parents you know, the children whose parents are influential, but in education we must love them all.
PL: What always brightens your day?
LP: Two things that brighten my day are hearing how a struggling student has made progress and the smiles on the students’ faces at JES.