The Socorro Independent School District is proud to have been named a 2022 TAEA District of Distinction winner by the Texas Art Education Association for the second year in a row.
SISD was one of 59 school districts from across the state to win the 2022 District of Distinction Award, making it part of the top five percent of art education programs in Texas.
The award honors school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. SISD received the honor for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connect learners to their community and beyond.
"We are honored to once again receive the District of Distinction Award from TAEA for the second year in a row,” said Armando Martinez, director of SISD fine arts. This recognition is a testament to all the hard work of our art teachers to ensure that all our students receive a high-quality art education. We are thrilled that our students’ talents are being recognized at the state level and this recognition is commensurate of our students’ achievements."
Team SISD has a long tradition of excellence in the fine arts and students and staff have earned many accolades and recognition in the visual arts. Each school year, numerous SISD students excel at local, regional, and state art contests and SISD fine arts educators are active in the arts community inspiring students to pursue avenues to showcase their work.
This year, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply, with each district submitting documentation from a 14-point rubric on criteria they met over the 2021-2022 school year.
The TAEA Administration and Supervision Division recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in their district and community, identifies districts that are actively participating members in areas such as regional and statewide Visual Arts Scholastic Events, and considers field experiences, community service, and community exhibitions as part of the rigorous rubric for the award.
Americas High School art teacher Jerusha Lang said receiving the honor as a district is exciting.
“We work really hard as a collective team and it's great when your hard work gets recognized, especially at the state level,” Lang said.
SISD fine arts facilitator Macka Jones said he was extremely thankful to all the dedicated fine arts educators who helped gain the prestigious recognition.
"It is an honor to be able to say once again that Socorro ISD is a TAEA District of Distinction,” Jones said. “This award shows the work our talented art teachers put in every day with our young emerging artists. I am thankful to work in a district that appreciates the importance of art and what it means to the students we serve."
Alejandra Gallardo, art teacher at Horizon Heights Elementary School, said she feels the recognition is really an extension of the students’ hard work.
“Every child is an artist and every child has something to contribute to our fine arts department,” Gallardo said.
In its fourth year honoring districts that meet the criteria based on structured data, TAEA is the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. TAEA, the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States, aims to promote quality visual arts education through leadership, advocacy, service, and professional development.
Winning districts will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly Nov. 10.
Published September 30, 2022
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