Celebrating Excellence in the Visual Arts

What is a District of Distinction?

Click here to see a list of District of Distinction recipients.

District of Distinction is an annual recognition program created by Texas Art Education Association and run by the Visual Art Administrators of Texas (Administration and Supervision division of TAEA) to honor school districts that are leading the way in the visual arts. The Visual Art Administrators of Texas would like to recognize districts with outstanding leadership (be that formal or informal) in promoting the arts in their district and community. We are looking to recognize districts that are active participating members in the TAEA and beyond the confines of TAEA sponsored events. The rubric is differentiated by number of students in the district, has exemptions in regions that do not have sponsored events and allows for each district submitting to meet 12 out of the 14 criteria (excluding exemptions). A district may receive the award each year that the criteria is submitted, reviewed, and met. If your school district is engaged in advocating for the visual arts, your district could be a TAEA District of Distinction.

When will we announce the 2026 winners?

Winners will be announced in August of 2026 and recognized at the TAEA Conference 2026. Rubric will be based on events/activities from June 14, 2025 - June 12, 2026.

How does TAEA promote honorees?

Districts of Distinction honorees will:

• Be identified on the association's website
• Receive a District of Distinction plaque along with a letter of commendation from the association
• Receive a press release template to promote their recognition to local media

Who will choose the winners?

A committee of TAEA members and administrators from across Texas will be assembled by the Visual Art Administrators of Texas Chair, Chair-Elect, will check the criteria and mark whether the district submission meets the qualifications to receive the designation of a TAEA District of Distinction. All districts fulfilling the rigorous criteria will be awarded the title of a District of Distinction.

What is my responsibility as a District of Distinction?

The winning district(s) as part of the award will be asked to submit their district logo and a celebration photo to feature on the TAEA website and at the fall conference, share a few words about the impact of earning the District of Distinction on programs and school district, attend the award ceremony at the fall TAEA conference, and attend at the Visual Art Administrator of Texas meeting at the fall TAEA conference.

If you are interested in participating in the TAEA District of Distinction program for the 2025-2026 academic year, please see the information below.

Folder evidence is eligible from June 14, 2025 - June 12, 2026.

Districts must meet 12 of the 14 categories to earn District of Distinction each year.

NEW - DOD folders must be requested by May 12, 2026.

All DoD materials must be submitted by June 12, 2026.

Criteria / Rubric

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District of Distinction Folder Request 2025-2026 (Google Form) — One request per district, please.

2025-2026 District of Distinction EXAMPLE Folder (Google Drive) — You must have your folder set up like this example. If you have already completed your folder, PLEASE go back and check that it is organized and numbered like this example folder.

2025-2026 Criteria / Rubric (Google Drive)

2025-2026 Rubric Example Slideshow (Google Drive)

District of Distinction Admin Reports (Google Drive)

Please email questions related to submitting your documentation for the 2025-2026 academic year to .