NORWALK, Iowa (AP) – A fifth-grade teacher in central Iowa has been named the state’s teacher of the year. Education officials announced Friday that Shelly Vroegh  of Lakewood Elementary School in Norwalk was selected as the 2017 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Four others were named as finalists.

The 43-year-old Vroegh, a teacher with 20 years of experience, is also an instructional coach. Officials at a Friday press conference highlighted her work as a district mentor and elementary math curriculum leader. Vroegh was also credited with coordinating a summer reading program.

The Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958. Honorees of the annual program serve as education ambassadors across the state.