Round Rock ISD Assistant Director of Visual Arts Tim Lowke has been named Texas Art Educator of the Year and a Distinguished Fellow by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA).

TAEA is the largest state professional art education association in the nation and annually they recognize members from across the state with awards in various divisions. The Texas Art Educator of the Year is annually awarded to an art educator who has showcased significant contributions to TAEA and to art education on the state, local and/or national level.

“My work and practice within art education over the past 28 years has been enriched and informed by my participation in the Texas Art Education Association,” Lowke said. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by my peers for doing the work I love with colleagues, students, teachers and community with this prestigious award, 2016 Texas Art Educator of the Year and by my induction as a Distinguished Fellow.”

The TAEA Distinguished Fellows program is based on nominations and consists of an elite group of Texas educators who have made long-term distinguished contributions to the work of TAEA and to the advancement of the profession, according to the organization.

“We are extremely proud of Tim Lowke, who is deserving of both honors from TAEA,” said Lisa Roebuck, Round Rock ISD fine arts director. “We are fortunate to have Tim not only serving Round Rock ISD, but also representing us and serving art educators at the state and national level.”

Lowke will be recognized as Texas Art Educator of the Year and inducted as a TAEA Distinguished Fellow November 18 and 19, respectively, at the annual TAEA Conference in Dallas.