The Socorro Independent School District is proud to announce two major achievements in its fine arts program. For the third consecutive year, SISD has been honored with the Texas Thespians Premiere Communities for Theatre Education Award, recognizing its commitment to excellence in theatre education. Additionally, Armando Martinez, Ed.D., SISD fine arts director, has been featured in the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s (TxETA) Administrator Spotlight.
The Texas Thespians award recognizes and honors school districts that provide theatre programs with the resources to achieve above standard, as rooted in the Educational Theatre Association’s Opportunity to Learn Standards, Texas Theatre Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts (TEKS), and support of International Thespian Society Troupe involvement.
“We are honored to once again receive the Texas Thespians Premiere Communities for Theatre Education Award,” Dr. Martinez said. “This recognition reflects our district’s commitment to providing exceptional theatre education opportunities for all students. Through our fine arts programs, students develop skills in collaboration, creativity and confidence that will serve them well in their future careers.”
To qualify for the award, Socorro ISD answered detailed questions about curriculum, scheduling standards, class sizes, facilities, theatre safety, technical equipment, production elements, overall support for the theatre program, and Thespian troupe involvement. Responses were verified and reviewed by Texas Theatre Education specialists.
“Theater plays a crucial role in educational settings, offering students a unique platform to express their creativity, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging,” said Sonja Kern, William D. Slider Middle School’s theatre director. “By participating in theatrical productions, students can express themselves in ways they might not be able to in a traditional classroom setting. Theater also creates a community where students feel included and valued.”
In addition to earning statewide recognition, the SISD fine arts program was recognized in January through the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s Administrator Spotlight, which featured Dr. Armando Martinez for his outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing SISD theatre programs. This spotlight highlights individuals who are dedicated and passionate advocates for the role of the arts in public education.
The spotlight content, which is shared on TxETA’s social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, includes detailed biographies of the featured individuals, allowing members to learn about their contributions and successes.
Read Dr. Armando Martinez’s spotlight from the Texas Educational Theatre Association