The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced the 109 winners of the 2025 District of Distinction Award. Among the list of honorees is Harlingen CISD.
The recognition honors school districts for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connects learners to their community and beyond.
“HCISD provides a well-rounded visual arts education through a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, hands-on learning, extracurricular opportunities, and community involvement,” said Lee Ann Ince, HCISD Director of Performing Arts. “I am super excited for our teachers, students, and the district. This is the first time HCISD has received this prestigious award.”
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 seventh year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.
For the 2025 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from a 14-point rubric over the 2024-2025 school year. Only 109 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.
“Harlingen CISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” said Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA.
Winning school districts will be honored at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony during the TAEA Fall Conference on Friday, November 21,2025 in Round Rock.
“This recognition is a reflection of the dedication and creativity of our visual arts educators, who continue to inspire and empower our students through the arts,” said HCISD Superintendent Dr. Veronica Kortan, “We are incredibly proud to be named a District of Distinction and remain committed to providing enriching, well-rounded educational experiences that connect students to their passions and communities.”
About TAEA District of Distinction Award:
District of Distinction has just completed its seventh year and is looking forward to increased participation going into the 2025-2026 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.
