Longview, TX – The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced the 69 winners of the 2023 District of Distinction Award. Among the honorees is Pine Tree ISD. This is Pine Tree ISD’s second year to win this prestigious award. The districts 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.
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 fourth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
For the 2022-2023 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2022-2023 school year. Only 69 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 5% in art education in the state.
“Pine Tree ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” said Sandra Newton, Chair of the Administration and Supervision Division of TAEA. “It is a true testament to your visual art educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continued to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students.”
About TAEA District of Distinction Award:
District of Distinction has just completed its fourth year and is looking forward to increased participation going into the 2023-2024 school year. The Administration and Supervision division oversees the award program. The award honors school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. The TAEA Administration and Supervision Division recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in the district and community. TAEA wants to identify districts that are actively participating members in areas of VASE, Junior VASE, and TEAM as a few examples. The organization also looks at field experiences, community service, and community exhibitions to name a few as part of the rigorous rubric for the award.