This year Parker is welcoming back one of its own as the new art and woodworking teacher, Jake Rosenbluth. An alumnus of the school, Rosenbluth brings a deep connection to Parker’s community and his passion for hands-on work. Through his early projects and experience teaching, his goal is to create an environment where every student can express themselves and grow, whether or not they see themselves as artists.
Rosenbluth’s love for art began as a child. “Both of my parents like to create art. I grew up painting on rocks that I would collect on beaches with my mom. That was a favorite childhood pastime,” he said. He describes himself as someone who loves to use hands-on learning “as a way of problem solving,” which has shaped his artistry and eventual path to becoming a teacher.
Before returning to Parker, Rosenbluth gained a variety of teaching experiences. “My first taste of teaching was when I was [fifth grade teacher] Jeff Stone’s assistant. I learned a lot from him both as a co-teacher and as a mentee,” he said. Rosenbluth also was a faculty member at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, working with students from kindergarten through middle school, and spent six years teaching at Beacon Academy.
Rosenbluth’s approach to teaching art focuses on growing not only technical skills but also personal expression. “I’m interested in what students care about. I often like to start the year with a bit of an intake about what they’re interested in making and their passions outside of art,” he said. “I like to challenge students to try to grow technically, whether that’s using a new power tool like a table saw or trying their hand at more traditional hand tools.”
Rosenbluth also stated that creating a bond with students is essential to learning. “I think a big piece is forming relationships with each student, so I can understand their goals and what they’d like to do. If there’s something that’s maybe challenging, I want to know how to build them up and make them feel comfortable trying new things.”
For students who might walk into class without feeling confident in their artistic ability, Rosenbluth is always encouraged to find ways to connect with them. “I never compare one student to another in a classroom. Everyone begins at different points and experience levels,” he said. “I try to find for those students who don’t consider themselves as artistically inclined. I try to find a different access point for them. Maybe that means we make a putt-putt mini golf course together.” He also places an emphasis on the vulnerability that it takes to put art on display. “Making art is a little different than some of your other classes in that your stuff is put out there for people to see. I applaud anyone taking an art class for being vulnerable and showing their work.”
Returning to Parker for Rosenbluth was both a professional step forward and a personal one. “This is my first foray into teaching woodshop. I like the challenge of it: half comfort and half discomfort,” he said. Rosenbluth also thought back to the teachers who shaped his experience as a student. “I felt proud to follow in their footsteps,” he said. Aside from his outward nostalgia, Rosenbluth is thrilled with the physical space itself. “The woodshop is a pretty cool space. I love the idea of problem solving, getting to work with my hands, and making sawdust.”
When asked about his inspiration outside of the classroom, Rosenbluth pointed out actor-woodworker Nick Offerman, best known for his role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation. “I love Nick Offerman. He’s a very funny person, cares a lot about the people he works with and about the craft and tradition of his work,” Rosenbluth said. He believes that this is relevant for him because he believes humor and community go hand in hand with his craft. “Humor is an important element of the classroom environment and to form strong student relationships,” Rosenbluth said.
Art department chair Travis Chandler talked about how Rosenbluth’s return to Parker felt natural. “I loved that he had a lot of teaching experience, and that was certainly my top trait that I was looking for in a candidate,” Chandler said. “He also had the wonderful attribute of having been here before, as an assistant teacher. Parker is a wonderful and quirky place, and somebody who’s got experience with it is going to have a lot easier of a time getting the hang of it.”
Chandler added that Rosenbluth’s teaching style has already started drawing more students in. “He’s very likable and very knowledgeable in the areas that he teaches, but he also just gets along with people very well.” Students are noticing the same features. “I really like his class,” senior David Mendoza said. “He has a lot of patience, and the projects are fun, like the wooden speaker we made.” Chandler is excited to have Rosenbluth at Parker and has praised the energy that he has brought to the woodshop. “There’s always activity and happy productivity going on in that space.”
