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Northwest ISD named District of Distinction by art association

Northwest ISD named District of Distinction by art association

Northwest ISD has been named a 2022 District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA), an honor given to Texas school districts that advocate for and integrate visual arts curriculum in their schools.

Only 59 districts across Texas received recognition from more than 1,200 eligible, indicating NISD is among the top four percent in the state. The district will be honored at the TAEA Administration & Supervision Division meeting and General Session during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly on Friday, November 10, 2022.

Northwest ISD’s visual arts program engages learners of all ages in art education. The district’s students are taught by certified art educators at each grade level. All Texas schools are required to teach art, but Northwest ISD makes it a priority, said Rebecca O’Donovan, director of fine arts.

“Northwest ISD believes that the visual arts are a vital component to our curriculum,” said O’Donovan. “They reinforce creative thinking, problem solving and self-expression.”

TAEA, the leading advocate for visual arts in the state, asked districts to share projects highlighting student involvement in visual arts advocacy, community service, field experiences and district art exhibitions. This is the fourth year that TAEA presented District of Distinction awards.

“More students are enrolled in art than in any other fine arts program in NISD,” O’Donovan said. “As our art program has grown in popularity, we have added new courses like Digital Art and Animation to meet the enrollment interest.”

NISD showcased more than 1,000 pieces of art at the district’s 23rd annual art show in April. The pieces were entered by elementary and secondary students from across the district’s 31 campuses. The projects utilized various techniques and mediums — including clay and ceramics fired on campus in kilns — to allow students to find their artistic voices.

“Our teachers work so incredibly hard to build our students up and give them the best experiences possible,” O’Donovan said. “This honor is a testament to our teachers and what they do every day.”