District of Distinction Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Logo

Only 16 school districts have achieved this honor for seven consecutive years - every year the award has been available. Earning this honor placed VISD’s visual art programs in the top 1.3% percent of districts in the state.

The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced the 109 winners of the 2025 District of Distinction Award. The districts received the honor for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connect 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 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 the 14-point rubric over the 2024-25 school year. Only 109 districts met the high standard and will receive the outstanding honor indicating they are in the top 8 percent in art education of districts in the state.

“Victoria 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.”

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and creativity of our students and educators. Fine arts is a vital component of a well-rounded education, and this honor reflects the heart of who we are as a district in setting the standard of excellence. We are proud to see our commitment to the arts celebrated at the state level,” said Sheila Collazo, Superintendent of Schools.

One hundred nine districts, including Victoria 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.

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.