Teaching Artists, with their commitment to both arts and education, play a pivotal role in P.S. ARTS as advocates for the transformative power of creativity in learning. Their work is instrumental in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for the arts in the students and schools we serve. It’s an honor to acknowledge the dedicated service of three P.S. ARTS Teaching Artists who have been a transformative force in P.S. ARTS classrooms for more than 20 years! Read our interviews with Tamie, Johanna, and David in our blog series. Here is the one with David Partida.
David Partida is a P.S. ARTS Teaching Artist who has taught visual arts in the Lynwood Unified School District. His eclectic approach to arts education and the different mediums he incorporates into his lessons have been an inspiration to his students for more than 20 years.
Tell us about yourself, your arts practice, and what made you decide to be a Teaching Artist.
I began in education as a regular elementary teacher teaching 4th and 5th grade. The school I taught at, Camino Nuevo, had a P.S. ARTS visual art teacher. I had always dabbled with art on the side but did not know I could combine my passion as a teacher with my passion with art. I remember asking the P.S. ARTS teacher to tell me more about his job – I believe his name was Mr. Mathews. He told me he would go from school to school, class to class, teaching art. I thought it was the coolest thing. After a couple of years he left and I had the thought of taking his place. I told our principal at the time and she liked the idea. She contacted P.S. ARTS and asked if they could hire me and have me placed there. After all the logistical stuff, I began teaching visual arts the following school year. As you know, now it’s been 20 years.
I began as a graffiti artist because I needed an artistic outlet and had none as a youth. From graffiti, I transitioned onto my first canvas in college and that’s where I grew more. Over the years, I sketched and painted honing my skills. I’m also an Aztec dancer and teacher. I’ve been involved with Aztec dancing for about 25 years and now lead my own group in the community of El Sereno. Aztec dancing involves playing music such as drums, flutes, conches, and string instruments. We also design our garb since there is no store or website to purchase these things, so fashion is big. We keep our ancient traditions alive throughout the year with ceremonies. I was a recipient of a California art grant last year to learn how to construct these ancient drums.
I also belong to a “jarocho” music group. Jarocho music is folk music which originated in Veracruz, Mexico. We perform regularly and our group received a similar California grant of $20,000 this year to tour and visit other groups to learn practices and strengthen our community.
Last year, I received a Masters in Art Education.
What was your first year teaching with P.S. ARTS like?
My first year teaching art was trying to figure things out. I used a lot of teaching strategies I had been using as a regular teacher. Some worked, others didn’t. The one constant was classroom management so I didn’t really struggle with that. My biggest struggle my first year was coming up with in depth art lessons that really engaged the students. Like most things in life, I look back where I began and think how horrible I was compared to now.
What is something you have seen change over the years in your classes?
Over the years I haven’t seen much change with the students. They are still creative humans trying to express themselves differently. My lessons have changed and so the product of art and engagement have changed. My lessons are more scaffolded, thematic, and tactile from when I started. A notable change I’ve seen throughout the year is how art is viewed as part of school instruction. I think there is more value today than 20 years ago. This is a sentiment that I believe fluctuates over time.
What is your favorite thing about teaching with P.S. ARTS?
I have many things I love about P.S. ARTS. I love the community and support I’ve gotten over the years. I’ve never felt isolated or let down. I love the school schedule because it has allowed me to spend time with my daughters through summers, spring breaks, winter breaks and so on. I also appreciate all the new artists and art forms I’ve come to learn over the years to apply in my classes. Overall, I love how I’ve grown as an artist and educator on account of P.S. ARTS.
What is one thing you would like to share with other Teaching Artists?
The one thing I would share with a teaching artist is to be flexible. There is no one clear cut formula to be the best teaching artist. What might work wonderfully one year may not the next. One great lesson in one classroom doesn’t translate to a great lesson in the next. Always be prepared for the unexpected, know how to navigate, and be flexible in an instant.
Thank you, David! To the Teaching Artists who have dedicated their knowledge, creativity, and expertise to enriching the lives of our students for over 20 years: thank you. Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those you have inspired!
