Tyler ISD has once again been recognized as a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction, earning the prestigious award for the seventh consecutive year. Only 16 school districts in the state have achieved this honor every year since its inception, placing Tyler ISD’s visual arts program in the top 1.3% of all visual art programming in Texas.
“Winning this award is a testament to the commitment of our teachers and the strength of our arts program,” Tyler ISD Director of Fine Arts Luke Dean said. “Tyler ISD’s award-winning art program has produced numerous student artists whose work has been showcased at local, regional, and state events. Through hands-on experiences, cross-curricular collaborations, and community involvement, our art teachers empower students to express themselves and build lifelong artistic skills. As we celebrate being in the top 1.3% of districts to earn this award, we look ahead to continuing our mission of nurturing artistic growth and creative excellence for years to come.”
This year, more than 1,200 districts were eligible to apply for this esteemed recognition. Tyler ISD is one of only 109 districts to receive the award for the 2024–2025 academic year. Presented by the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, the award honors districts that demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting the visual arts in both their schools and local communities.
“Tyler ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated curriculum, and student creativity,” said Nealy Holley, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas. “It is a true testament to your visual art educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continues to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences to students.”
Districts were evaluated on a rigorous 14-point rubric that measures everything from TAEA participation and student exhibitions to community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student growth in the arts. Tyler ISD’s visual arts program met or exceeded all criteria, reflecting the district’s commitment to excellence in arts education at every grade level.
This continued recognition highlights the passion, innovation, and impact of Tyler ISD’s visual art educators and their role in nurturing creativity, cultural awareness, and artistic expression among students.
One hundred and nine districts, including Tyler ISD, will be honored at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony during the TAEA Fall Conference on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Round Rock.
For more information about the TAEA District of Distinction Award, visit www.taea.org.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.