Fine Arts Distinction

Pasadena ISD Wins 2023 TAEA District of Distinction Award


Only the top 5.5 percent of districts in the state, including Pasadena ISD, earned the

honor this year.


[Houston, Texas] — [July 31,2023] – The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) announced

the 68 winners of the 2023 District of Distinction Award. Among the list of honorees is

Pasadena ISD. 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 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 from data.


For the 2023 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted

documentation they met from the 14-point rubric over the 2021-2022 school year.

Only 68 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.


The Pasadena ISD Fine Arts department has created a learning environment that offers students the opportunity to grow to their highest potential. Their state-recognized curriculum and top tier instructors have led to countless student successes and thousands in scholarship grants.


“Pasadena ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated

visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student

growth,” said Sandra Newton, 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.”


Sixty-eight districts, including Pasadena ISD will be honored at the TAEA

Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA

Fall Conference General Assembly on Friday, November 17, 2023.