TEACH • LEARN • ADVOCATE • CONNECT

Leadership Scholars

Congratulations to our new Leadership Scholars!

TAEA is proud to announce the selection of eight new leadership scholars for our 2025-2026 Leadership Cohort.

The TAEA Leadership Scholar Cohort Program is designed to work in tandem with the TAEA Leadership Institute to provide the membership of the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) with innovative, relevant, structured and supported professional growth focused on leadership skill sets to advance art education. The Leadership Scholars were selected from a large pool of applicants and will learn in depth about leadership in art education, service and structure of the Association and how they can grow professionally. The TAEA Leadership Institute is part of the Association's Strategic Plan for its members and future growth and impact.

Crystal Alulema

My primary goal as a TAEA Leadership Scholar is to grow into a leader who can uplift and empower art educators across Texas by sharing practical strategies, advocating for equitable resources, and helping strengthen visual arts instruction statewide. I want to develop the skills necessary to support teachers in creating culturally responsive, meaningful, and accessible art experiences for all students. Another key goal is to learn how to effectively integrate emerging tools — especially AI — into art education so teachers can use technology confidently and creatively rather than fear its impact on the arts. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a stronger, more connected community of art educators who collaborate, innovate, and lead together to shape the future of visual arts education.

Karla De La Fuente

As a TAEA Leadership Scholar, my goals are centered on developing skills for strengthening and expanding access to high quality art education. I aim to solidify the art program Hidalgo ISD by intentionally integrating math, reading, science, and history into the art curriculum. I also seek to support the implementation of a middle school art education course where students learn the foundations of teaching arts in a classroom setting where they can also earn high school credit. In addition, I hope to help strengthen the bridge programs that support student's transitions from high school to college. My goal is to advocate for art and art education career pathways beginning in the middle school level, ensuring students are aware of the long-term opportunities within the field. This is a crucial step for students who will become first-generation college graduates in their families.

Natalie Harris

My primary goal is to grow into a confident, informed leader who actively supports and uplifts art educators. I want to develop skills that will allow me to mentor others, advocate for quality visual arts programs, and contribute positively to TAEA initiatives. I also hope to strengthen my ability to listen, collaborate, and lead with compassion, especially when supporting teams with differing perspectives. Long-term, I aim to take on leadership roles within TAEA committees or programs and use what I learn to positively impact educators and students in my district and beyond.

Laura Mancini

My goal as a TAEA Leadership Scholar is to grow as a leader who can make a meaningful impact on arts education at both the local and state levels. I want to gain practical skills and guidance for leading partnerships, programs, and initiatives in ways that are strategic, sustainable, and equitable. I also hope to learn from experienced arts education leaders and connect with peers who are facing similar challenges, so I can bring new ideas and approaches back to my work. Ultimately, I want to use this experience to support and mentor other educators, strengthen programs and partnerships, and contribute to building a more connected, resilient, and thriving arts education community across Texas.

Keri Reynolds

In addition to supporting the professional growth of fellow art educators and increasing my capacities as a leader, my goals as a TAEA Leadership Scholar are to advocate for the visual arts and empower art educators and their students to expand the impacts of art education beyond the classroom. I aim to support teachers in implementing and facilitating community-based art initiatives that connect schools and communities together to empower students to become innovative problem-solvers and change makers through art. I also aim to build and support capacity for NAHS sponsorship among TAEA members. Involvement in NAHS empowers students to engage in community service while expanding upon their interests and scholarship in art and provides opportunities for art educators to grow and connect authentically with students outside of class time. Expanding the reach of art education beyond the classroom through NAHS sponsorship and community-centered art initiatives supports students in forming real-world connections and sharing their voices through the power of art.

Joshua Sooter

My mission as a TAEA Leadership Scholar is to advocate for equitable, high-quality visual arts education across Texas by empowering teachers, expanding student opportunities, and building strong community and statewide connections that support creativity, growth, and well-being for every learner.