For the sixth consecutive year, the Socorro Independent School District’s Fine Arts Department has received the prestigious 2026 District of Distinction award from the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) for its excellence in visual arts education.
SISD is among 109 districts selected from 1,200 applicants to receive this honor, placing it in the top 9% of school districts in Texas for art education.
The district earned this award for its outstanding leadership, comprehensive integration of visual arts into the curriculum and active advocacy within the community.
“Receiving this award for six years in a row demonstrates how dedicated our students, teachers, administrators and families are to the arts,” said Socorro ISD Superintendent James Vasquez. “The visual arts are important because they inspire creativity, build confidence and encourage self-expression in our students.”
To qualify for the award, districts must submit comprehensive documentation proving they met or exceeded a rigorous 14-point rubric. The rubric examined the district's visual art program from participation in TAEA through membership, exhibitions, contests, and community engagement in the visual arts through field experiences, community service, and collaboration with other content areas.
SISD is committed to supporting arts education through first-of-a-kind initiatives such as the Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy and the Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy, as well as exceptional fine arts programs at all grade levels that foster well-rounded student development and prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond.
"It is no surprise to us that our art teachers and students have excelled once again. Being in the top 9% of the state for visual arts education shows the dedication our district has to supporting a well-rounded student,” said SISD Fine Arts director Dr. Armando Martinez.
SISD and the other winning districts will be honored at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony during the TAEA Fall Conference on Nov. 13, 2026, in Galveston.
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.