As the 2024-2025 school year begins, a new art teacher begins his first year at PVHS: David Schaeffer. Students look forward to seeing how he will influence the art department.
Schaeffer was born and raised in Davenport. He went to Davenport School District through West High School where he played basketball, tennis, was a part of the student council and the drumline. After high school, Schaeffer attended the University of Iowa where he was the captain of the drumline for the Hawkeyes.
Later on, he returned to his roots in Davenport, taught drumline and watched 15 of his students go on to march for the Hawkeyes. “That’s pretty cool too, like [you] do something, come back and inspire kids and watch them do what you did,” he stated.
Schaeffer has been teaching in the Quad Cities for 22 years, with 15 of those years spent at North High School. He worked at Davenport West High School for four years prior to being the lead teacher at Davenport School District for two years, where he co-taught and worked at all the school buildings in the district.
Schaeffer takes pleasure in creating all kinds of artworks; he enjoys painting, drawing and airbrushing. He also chainsaw carves— the creation of intricate art pieces through the process of cutting and shaping wood— for the University of Iowa. Schaeffer is the creator of Herktimus Prime, one of the Herkys in the parade; his carving was inspired by his love for Transformers growing up. The 40-foot mural at Veterans Memorial Park in Davenport was designed and painted by Schaeffer in honor of veterans.
Schaeffer is enjoying his first weeks at PV. “The energy is amazing and everybody has been super friendly and very engaged both educators and students,” he conveyed. He teaches Photography 1 and 2, AP 2-D art, Commercial Art and Drawing 1 and 2, in which he hopes to inspire his students as well as his children at home.
Schaeffer has already made an impact on his brand-new students. He has inspired his AP 2-D Studio art students to get out of their comfort zones. “He has encouraged us to try new things and not get so stuck in a rut that we miss out on new styles, techniques, experiences and opportunities. He has pushed us to do things we typically wouldn’t,” said senior Sara Schutte.
The art department, along with the students, is eager to see how Schaeffer will continue to bring change to PVHS.
