The Socorro Independent School District’s Fine Arts department has been recognized with the 2023 District of Distinction Award from the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) for a third consecutive year.
Socorro ISD is among the top 5.5 percent of districts in the state to earn the honor this year. The district received the award for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connects learners to their community and beyond.
“Socorro ISD is proud to offer one of the best visual arts programs in the region,” said Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D. “Our students’ talents have been recognized at the state and regional level and this is due in large part to our outstanding teachers who are committed to providing our students the best opportunities in fine arts education.”
SISD offers award-winning, diverse and competitive fine arts programs to enhance student creativity, coordination, and discipline for a complete educational experience. The district provides endless opportunities in the fine arts at all campuses, including two exclusive fine arts academies – Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy, which is in its second year, and Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy, which debuted for the 2023-2024 school year.
The prestigious TAEA award was given to only 68 school districts across the state out of 1,200 that were eligible to apply.
“This award highlights the outstanding work of our students and visual art teachers who contributed to earning this distinction,” said SISD Fine Arts director Armando Martinez. “We are honored to receive this award for a third year in a row, and we remain committed to ensuring that all our students seize their opportunities to showcase their talents and achieve success.”
TAEA is the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. The organization has previously honored outstanding TAEA members for work in their classrooms and districts. This is the fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
Socorro ISD and the other winning districts will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on Friday, November 17, 2023.