Art teachers from across NBISD were recognized at the December Board of Trustees Meeting as NBISD Fine Arts was one of 94 school districts in the state to receive the Texas Art Education Association District (TAEA) of Distinction Award.

NBISD and only 93 other school districts in the state were recognized for offering a comprehensive education that promotes and incorporates visual arts curriculum to enhance creativity, social-emotional learning as well as connecting students to their community and beyond.

“At NBISD, we have established a high benchmark for visual arts by incorporating our visual arts program into the daily curriculum,” said NBISD Superintendent Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury. “Throughout this year, we have seen their work pay off as we have had winners of state competitions, art showcases and more. We look forward to keeping this momentum going in years to come!”

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 fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data.

For the 2024 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2023-2024 school year. Only 94 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 5.5 percent in art education of districts in the state.

NBISD offers visual fine arts for all students from pre-k through high school. Visual arts students at the middle school and high school level are eligible to compete at the state VASE competitions. This year marked the first time NBISD had middle school students compete at VASE.

“It’s truly an honor and a testament to all of our visual arts teachers and staff, along with the effort of our students who want to learn and submit their art,” said Dr. Marty Lenard, NBISD Director of Fine Arts. “They have put in countless hours of time to make this award come into a reality.”

Ninety-four districts, including NBISD will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on Friday, November 15, 2024.

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.