Hey!  Ms. Cook here!  Just want you to know I love you and can't wait to meet you!  Let's work together.  You won't believe all of the amazing things YOU will do in my class! Trust me, you are amazing and your talent is beyond what you even imagined!

Maria Cook is the Interactive Media instructor for Wicomico County's (CTE) program. She teaches all four levels and prepares students for careers and continued education in pathways including digital illustration, graphic design, animation, video editing, voice over, and interactive media. She holds an Associate of Arts in Commercial Art degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art degree from Salisbury University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of MD, Eastern Shore. Before teaching, she worked as a free-lance commercial artist and illustrator and a layout artist for a magazine. In 2001, she began teaching art at James M. Bennett High School and has taught in Wicomico County for 24 years. From 2004 to 2011 she also published and designed a regional magazine called Delmarva Youth and Family. The magazine’s core mission was to highlight the accomplishments of Delmarva's youth and provide resources to families, schools and the community at large. The magazine featured stories about Delmarva's youth as well as parenting articles, upcoming events and family resources. She was the publisher but wore many hats including all of the magazine's marketing, layout and design. Students in the interactive media program take part in yearly art shows, learn industry standard software, develop portfolios, and even learn to market and sell their work. Students who complete the program are prepared for a variety of career paths including college and vocational training.  Ms. Cook loves teaching and providing students with the skills and creative tools needed to become successful adults in any field.