At the heart of El Paso Independent School District’s (EPISD) Fine Arts Department is a dedication to inspiring students and nurturing their creative voices. This week, we celebrate Burges High School art teacher Belenice Godinez, who recently earned National Board Certification, one of the highest professional recognitions for educators.
According to Andrea Smith, EPISD’s Visual Arts Facilitator, “Belenice is a great example of the type of art teacher who encourages her students to strive for more. Her students look to her for guidance and inspiration. She is showing students across the district that she is not just an ‘art teacher’; she is so much more.” Belenice’s achievement reflects the devotion, talent, and instructional excellence that permeates the district’s visual arts programs.
EPISD’s art department has a history of accomplishments that showcase student creativity on local and professional stages. The “Enfoque Community Spotlight: EPISD Transformation Through Art” exhibit at the El Paso Museum of Art has featured 42 high school artists from eight campuses, offering students a professional platform to display their work. This initiative has grown, with 70 students from nine campuses slated to exhibit from August through October 2026. In addition, the district’s partnership with the El Paso Zoo displayed 100 student artworks in the “Furry & Feathered Art History” exhibit, giving one lucky student the unforgettable experience of a Rhino Encounter. K-12 students also have the opportunity to showcase their art at La Nube STEAM Discovery Center throughout the school year, connecting creative expression with community engagement.
Looking ahead, Smith envisions art education as an essential part of student development, teaching critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, and emotional expression. “Art allows students to tell a story—sometimes their own story—through their work while providing an outlet to express and manage their feelings,” she said. By fostering creativity and providing platforms to share student artwork, EPISD Fine Arts helps students develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom, supporting academic growth, career pathways, and overall well-being.
Through the dedication of teachers like Belenice and the accomplishments of her students, El Paso ISD continues to illuminate the power of creativity to inspire, connect, and transform lives.
