The Socorro Independent School District’s Fine Arts department has been recognized with the esteemed 2025 District of Distinction Award from the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) for the fifth consecutive year.
SISD is one of 109 districts to receive this distinction, placing it in the top 8% of school districts in Texas for art education. This remarkable honor highlights the district’s ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded education that integrates a visual arts curriculum, thereby inspiring creativity and promoting social-emotional learning that connects students to their community and beyond.
“This award demonstrates the passion and dedication of our fine arts educators and students,” said SISD Interim Superintendent James Vasquez. “Our visual arts programs inspire and empower our students’ creativity, paving the way for their successful futures.”
For the 2025 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2024-2025 school year. Only 109 districts met the high standard and received this outstanding honor.
"Being recognized for the fifth year in a row is a true testament to the strength of our visual arts programs,” said SISD Fine Arts director Armando Martinez. “We are grateful to all our visual arts educators who provide our students with amazing opportunities to grow and express their artistic talents. This award is a reflection of them, and we are proud that all their hard work and the talent of our student artists continues to be celebrated."
SISD and the other winning districts will be honored at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony during the TAEA Fall Conference on Nov. 21, 2025, in Round Rock.
TAEA is the largest state professional organization for art educators in the US. Its mission is to promote quality visual arts education through leadership, advocacy, service, and professional development.