March 4, 2026 — Tritt Elementary School's Lauren Levetan does not have a background in photography. Even so, every one of her students is a budding photographer. The multi-age Special Education teacher is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to engage her students in learning and connect them with each other and the wider school community.
Now in its fifth year, the photography program in Ms. Levetan's classroom at Tritt has become much more than a teaching tool. It’s a platform for communication, confidence, and recognition—not only at the school but also in the community and online.
A Flashbulb Moment
The idea for incorporating photography took root during COVID-19. One of her students, who had been learning virtually, came to campus for testing. After doing an excellent job, he was allowed to choose a prize from the classroom "treasure box." He selected a small toy camera, the kind that lights up when you press the button.
"As he walked down the hallway," explained Ms. Levetan, "he was lifting the camera toward classmates and cheerfully calling out for them to smile. It gave him a buffer. He was so engaged and talking with other people, and they were interacting back with him. That really clicked in my mind and got me thinking."
That simple moment sparked a bigger vision. Over the summer, she reached out to community members and collected donated digital cameras. In the fall, she entered Cobb's version of Shark Tank, a grant competition known as "Cobb Tank," and won funding for 10 brand-new cameras. It was enough for each of her students to have a camera of their own.
For students who follow a modified curriculum due to intellectual difficulties, hands-on learning is critical. Before photography, Ms. Levetan would use activities like book buddies and peer game time.
"They were meaningful but often passive," she said. "Now they’re active. They’re creating."
Known as ShutterSpark Studio, the class has gained recognition for its visual art. The junior photographers take headshots for the school play, and their photos are regularly featured in the yearbook. They recently photographed every third grader in the building — nearly 100 students — for a "Favorite Part of Me" writing project. ShutterSpark Studio even releases a calendar each year that sells out quickly. Their Instagram page has hundreds of followers and showcases their art and some of their fun on-location shoots.
Rather than being seen as students who need help, the ShutterSpark photographers are viewed as experts with a skill set others admire.
"Very often, other students will say to me, 'I want to use a camera like that.' They see them as having a valuable skill rather than as someone to help. They’re seeing our students as having a strength, which is so great," Ms. Levetan said with a smile.
Learning Alongside Her Students
Without any formal training in photography, the teacher is learning right alongside her students. Last year, when paraprofessional Mrs. Cole joined the classroom, the program expanded even further due to her knowledge and experience behind a camera.
In the classroom, the students learn about lighting, perspective, and composition. They practice what they learn in the adjacent empty classroom that serves as a photo studio. On warmer days, they head outside, capturing dramatic shots looking up at a basketball hoop or zooming in on the texture of a brick wall. Some students take only a few carefully planned photos; others snap continuously.
Ms. Levetan admitted that her students never fail to surprise her with what they capture.
"When I watch them taking photos, I often wonder what they're actually getting, but I'm always amazed by what I see afterward. 'I'm like, wow, that's incredible.' It gives them a way to look at the world and express their viewpoint," she said.
For one student on the autism spectrum, the camera has opened a new window for his family. While he may be limited in how much he shares verbally, his parents see his joy and engagement when he’s behind the lens.
"They’re so grateful to see that side of him," she said.
A friend of the class couldn't contain excitement about the program:
"Mrs. Levetan's class is truly amazing! I love hanging out with them! It's not just because they are so sweet, it's also because of their fantastic photography. The pictures they take are up-close pictures that you couldn't see with just your eyes, and they're extraordinarily beautiful. I have a calendar to prove it," Leighton said about the ShutterSpark Studio artists.
Beyond the Classroom
For the past several years, ShutterSpark Studio has entered the Reflections art competition, sponsored by the National PTA. Every year they’ve participated, at least one student has advanced beyond the local level. This year, all six eligible students advanced.
At the recent East Cobb County Council PTA awards ceremony, each student was called up individually to receive a certificate and a ribbon. It was a moment of recognition that carries weight not just for them, but for their families. Parents have embraced the program wholeheartedly, eager to attend these award ceremonies and exhibitions. For many, it’s a rare chance to watch their child be publicly celebrated.
The program has also connected students with professional artists who share similar experiences, such as Rachel Handlin and Anthony Schmidt.
Rachel is a New York-based photographer whose family believes is the first woman with Down syndrome to earn a master’s degree in photography. She completed her thesis exhibition at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Anthony is an artist on the autism spectrum known for his forced-perspective photography using toy cars. Schmidt sent the class a box of his calendars, inspiring students who share his love of cars and creativity.
Learning about photography is not only about taking great photos. The students write about themselves with artist statements and biographies, learning that their words have purpose and power. These writing assignments become their own introductions to the world as the artists they are and aspire to be.
The students have developed (pun intended) a deep love for photography that goes far beyond taking pictures. Mara says that it makes her happy because she "likes having a job." Tyler said he likes to take photos that are "pretty." Sean likes the social aspect of it and taking pictures of friends. Esther says her favorite times are when her friends are posing for her. Matty also likes photographing people, and Piper said she "loves everything about photography!"
Five years after a toy camera sparked an idea, it has grown into a communitywide point of pride. ShutterSpark photos will be displayed in the lobby of Walton Arts Center during the Evening of Inspiration event in March. They will also be showcased at Pope's talent show.
Through their lenses, ShutterSpark Studio students are not just capturing images; they’re reshaping how others see them and how they see themselves.
