Duncanville, Texas— July 17, 2024 – The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced the 94 winners of the 2024 District of Distinction Award. Among the list of honorees is Duncanville ISD. The districts received the honor for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates a visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social-emotional learning that connects 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 fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts that meet rigorous criteria as evidenced by 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.
Duncanville ISD
“Duncanville ISD 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, “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.”
"I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team of visual arts educators at Duncanville ISD. This recognition as a District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association highlights our commitment to fostering creativity and supporting our students' artistic growth," says Fine Arts Director Paul Doucet. "Our teachers' unwavering passion and innovative approach to arts education have made a profound impact on our students and the community. Together, we will continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists and creative thinkers."
Ninety-four districts, including Duncanville ISD 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 WINNER
The Duncanville ISD Fine Arts Visual Arts Department has once again earned the prestigious title of "District of Distinction" by the Visual Arts Administrators of Texas, marking its third consecutive win. This esteemed recognition celebrates the department's unwavering commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a vibrant arts culture within the district.
With a dedicated team of 21 exceptional art teachers spread across 16 campuses, the Duncanville ISD Visual Arts Department is integral to the district’s academic fabric. These passionate educators engage students in a comprehensive and enriching visual arts curriculum, ensuring that creativity flourishes both in and out of the classroom.
The department’s influence extends beyond the school walls, playing a vital role in the broader community. Their dedication is exemplified by the 2024 Valedictorian, who thrived as an art and AP Art student throughout her time at Duncanville ISD, showcasing the profound impact of the arts on academic excellence.
From hosting captivating art exhibitions to participating in statewide competitions, the Visual Arts Department continues to provide students with unparalleled opportunities to explore and express their creativity. Their success is a testament to the department’s innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication to student growth and achievement.
The Duncanville ISD Fine Arts Visual Arts Department remains a shining beacon of excellence, inspiring future generations of artists and making a lasting impact on the community.
Find TAEA Online:
Website: www.taea.org
Twitter: @TXarted
Facebook: @TexasArtEducationAssociation
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.