-
The fine arts incorporate the study of dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts—and along with student activities—offer unique experiences and empower students to explore realities, relationships, and ideas. These disciplines engage and motivate all students through active learning, critical thinking, and innovative problem solving. The fine arts develop cognitive functioning and increase student academic achievement, higher-order thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Students develop aesthetic and cultural awareness through exploration, leading to creative expression. Creativity, encouraged through the study of the fine arts, is essential to nurture and develop the whole child.
Julie Shore
Executive Director of Fine Arts and Student Activities
Supervise: Fine Arts, Dance/Spirit, Theatre
Julie Shore’s passion for Fine Arts can be traced back to my early days as a child. Whether I was dancing at a competition or singing throughout the house, I was always performing. Dancing and singing were my creative outlets. I grew up the daughter of an Air Force officer and we moved around a lot. I believe I loved dancing so much because it was always a constant in my life growing up. We may have moved every few years, but I could always find a dance studio to call home. I landed in San Antonio when I began my high school journey and was able to finish out high school 9th-12th grade at Judson High School. After graduating from high school, I attended Texas State University. While at Texas State, I was a member of the World Famous Texas State Strutters and an officer for the sorority Alpha Delta Pi. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Exercise and Sports Science with an emphasis in Dance from Texas State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. I have been very fortunate throughout my adult career to have had the opportunity to work at some of the most wonderful places and with the most influential people. I started my career as the Dance Team, Drill Team and Pep Squad Director at John Marshall High School. I learned so much from this job. I had the opportunity to work with some of the most incredible young women and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to make a positive impact in their lives. During my time as a teacher, I taught over 1,200 students. I was hired to teach dance, but my belief is that I taught so much more. I have former students that moved on in life to become teachers, doctors, business owners, lawyers, professional dancers, amazing mothers, and so many other important roles in our society. I am most proud of the accomplishments they have made after high school. I had the opportunity to move into school administration at Tejeda Middle School and serve that campus as Assistant Principal, then I was fortunate to move up to Johnson High School as the Assistant Principal in charge of Curriculum and Instruction. Serving these two campuses as an Assistant Principal taught me so much about myself and how to best serve all students. I was given the opportunity to serve the students, staff and community as the Principal of Tex Hill Middle School before moving into my current role as the Executive Director of Fine Arts for the North East Independent School District, which I feel brings me full circle and back to my passion; The Arts.
Analisa Shinn
Director of Visual Art
Supervise: Visual Art, NHS/NJHS
Analisa Shinn-Martinez is a San Antonio native who has been creating art as long as she can remember. She is a graduate of Alamo Heights HS and graduated from UTSA in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and a Secondary Teaching Certification. I knew from a young age that I loved teaching and helping others, but my chosen profession was solidified when I found my way into teaching ballroom dance during college. My first job out of university was teaching at Tejeda Middle School. I spent four years there before venturing into another brief stint in the ballroom world. In 2013 I joined the art department at Johnson High School. During my wonderful time at Johnson, I became Fine Arts Department Head and pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching, as well as a Principal Certification. Beyond my classroom duties, I have also proudly served as the Region 20W Visual Arts Scholastic Event Director for the past three years. Art has been my passion for as long as I can remember. My family is full of talent: my grandmother was an incredible oil-painter, my great-uncle painted with acrylics, another great-uncle was a ceramicist, my uncle is a photographer, and my father restored antique guns (an art form in itself!). Growing up in a family of artists, I was introduced to many different methods and media from a young age, and gained an appreciation for all types of art. Currently, my preferred media are watercolor, graphite, and photography. Outside of work, my time is spent with my wonderful husband, Cliff, and our 4-year-old son, Cooper. We also have our hands full with our Great Dane/Sharpei “pup,” Skeeter, and our 7 chickens (Big Red, Goldie, Rizzo, Wild Child, Meenie, Minie, and Mo). I am an only child and very close with my mom, so she is often at our house playing "Nana." I have been blessed with three wonderful step-kids as well, (Kayla, Anthony, and Gabriel) but they are all older and out of the house. I believe that the role I have been given within our department is one of service. I am here to advocate for our department, seek out opportunities for our students, and generally work for the betterment of the Visual Arts in NEISD. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and excited to start this new year!
Philip Flynn
Director of Music Programs
Supervise: Band, Choir, Elementary Music, Orchestra
Philip Flynn serves as the Fine Arts Director of Music Programs for North East ISD. Prior to his appointment, he served six years as the assistant and six years as the head band director at James Madison High School from 2007 to 2019. Mr. Flynn’s duties included conducting the Honors Wind Ensemble, directing the 300-member Mighty Maverick Marching Band, collaborating with the orchestra and choir programs to conduct the school musical, and much more. In his twelve years at Madison, the band grew from 180 students in 2007 to over 320 students in 2019. Mr. Flynn is a native of San Antonio, TX, where he graduated from William Howard Taft H.S. He attended Texas Tech University where he performed in numerous ensembles, including the 400-member Goin’ Band from Raiderland, a Tuba/ Euphonium ensemble that performed at the ITEC International Tuba Conference, and the Texas Tech Men’s Choir where he was fortunate to sing for President George Bush in 2003. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Music and also graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Master’s degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University. In 2005, Mr. Flynn held the title of Drum Major for the marching band and was voted as the Outstanding Bandsman for the 2005 season.
Mr. Flynn currently writes marching drill and designs halftime shows for the Blinn College "Buccaneer Band" in Brenham, TX, the University of Arkansas "Razorback Marching Band", the University of Texas "Longhorn Band", the Texas Tech University "Goin' Band from Raiderland", and other high school bands across Texas. Each year, he serves on the Fiesta Band Festival Committee where he works closely with Fine Arts Directors and Music Supervisors from around the city to plan and coordinate a performance of 5,000+ San Antonio-area band students each April. From 2006-2019 he served as administrator and activities coordinator for the Texas Tech University Band and Orchestra Camp, one of the largest music camps in the country. The camp serves students from around the country and provides numerous ensembles, elective courses, and evening activities for the 700+ student campers every year.
Mr. Flynn spent four years marching in Drum Corps International. He spent two years with Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps from San Antonio, TX where he was a part of the 2002 Division 3 World Champion corps. He then spent two years marching with the World Class Finalists, Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps from Boston, MA. Later, he spent two years serving as assistant tour director and teaching brass sectionals for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in 2007 and 2008. In 2013, he served as the brass/ visual caption head for the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps from Seguin, TX. His wife, Shelly Flynn, is the dance team director at Madison High School, and they have two children, Riley and Jack.
Joseph Johnson
Director of Student Activities
Supervise: Speech/Debate, UIL Academics, Journalism, Theatre
Joseph Johnson has been part of the North East Fine Arts Department since 2003. His role has expanded throughout the years to include supervision over Theatre Arts, UIL Academics, Journalism, and Speech/Debate programs. Mr. Johnson’s educational background includes a M.A. in Communication Studies from St. Mary’s University and a B.A in History from the University of Houston. He began his teaching career at Humble High School. In 1995 Mr. Johnson joined NEISD and served as the Madison Debate Director for four years before starting the Reagan Debate program in the school’s inaugural year. Throughout his career Mr. Johnson has continuously championed the importance of arts in the education of all students.
Thea Platz
Nature Specialist
Supervise: Outdoor Education
Thea Platz has been offering students and teachers opportunities to connect with nature through the programs and services of NEISD’s Environmental Outdoor Education for over 20 years. These offerings range from helping to create outdoor learning areas and gardens on campuses to facilitating field investigations at Honey Creek State Natural Area. Thea directs a program in the natural area allowing an average of 1500 third and fifth grade students each year to have the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the pristine environment. Thea is passionate about getting kids outside and also enjoys offering training and support to teachers and other adults in these endeavors. Her passion for nature and conservation continues after hours as she is very active in the conservation and nature community, sitting as a director, board member and volunteer for several organizations. She is currently on the State Board of Directors for Texas Children in Nature and co- leader of the San Antonio Texas Children in Nature collaborative. Thea also serves as the President of Friends of Honey Creek and Guadalupe River State Park. Thea has served well over 10,000 hours of volunteer service and has been recognized for her volunteer leadership by receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award
