McAllen ISD’s dedication to unlocking its students’ imagination in the visual arts continues to create dividends. This week, McAllen ISD earned the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) 2024 District of Distinction Award for the fifth consecutive year.
“We are excited that the creativity and hard work of our outstanding teachers and talented students has been recognized,” McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez said. “Our community takes tremendous pride in our student achievements in both the visual arts and fine arts.”
For the 2024 award, more than 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2022-23 school year. Only 94 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top eight percent in art education of districts in the state.
“McAllen ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, said. “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.”
“McAllen ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” Sandra Newton, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, said. “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.”
TAEA is the leading advocate for the visual arts in the state. This is the sixth year that TAEA has honored districts that met rigorous criteria based on data.
“The visual arts provide an avenue for our students to channel their imagination,” McAllen ISD Fine Arts Director Debra Loya said. “Our visual arts students have consistently earned distinctions at both the regional and state level for many years.”
Since 2013, McAllen ISD’s Fine Arts Department has also been designated as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
It is one of the few districts that offers a comprehensive fine arts program that includes award-winning band, choir, orchestra, mariachi, theatre arts, visual arts and dance programs In addition, elementary students are taught by degreed and certified music teachers from kindergarten through 5th grade. High school advanced placement courses are currently offered in music theory and visual arts.
McAllen ISD will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on November 15.
About McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD is a three-time winner of the state’s highest rating, an “A,” and a four-time winner of the state’s Post-Secondary Readiness Distinction. In 2022, McAllen ISD was named the Best Large District in Texas through the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards. The district is home to 30 campuses and approximately 20,000 students. To learn more about McAllen ISD’s schools and programs, contact Student Outreach at 956-687-MISD (6473).
About TAEA District of Distinction Award
District of Distinction has just completed its sixth year and is looking forward to increased participation going into the 2024-2025 school year. The Visual Art Administrators of Texas oversees the award program. The award honors school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. The Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, recognizes districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in their district and community. TAEA wants to identify districts that are actively participating members in areas such as 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.
About TAEA
TAEA is the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States. It is the mission of TAEA to promote quality visual arts education through leadership, advocacy, service, and professional development.