Pearland Independent School District is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Larry Berger has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Friend of Art Education award. This honor recognizes Dr. Berger’s significant and sustained contributions to art education, both within Pearland ISD and across the state of Texas.
The TAEA Friend of Art Education award is annually presented to a non-TAEA member, such as a school board member, administrator, or advocate, who has demonstrably made a major impact on the association and the advancement of art education at the local, state, and/or national levels.
Dr. Berger was selected for his unwavering commitment to ensuring high-quality, accessible visual arts programs for all students in Pearland ISD. His leadership has championed resources, facilities, and staff development necessary for the arts to flourish, reinforcing their integral role in a well-rounded curriculum.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the Texas Art Education Association,” Dr. Berger said. “The arts are not supplementary; they are foundational to critical thinking, creativity, and the holistic development of every child. This award truly belongs to the talented art teachers and dedicated students across our district who bring passion and vision into our classrooms every day.”
The Pearland ISD Fine Arts Department, alongside its dedicated art educators, is profoundly thankful for Dr. Berger’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting the arts.
The selection process is rigorous, requiring a formal letter of nomination and extensive supporting evidence, including newsletters, photographs, and written records documenting the nominee’s contributions. Dr. Berger joins an exclusive group of leaders recognized only once for this lifetime achievement.
