DES MOINES - An educator at Decorah Middle School was one of four finalists for the 2008 Iowa Teacher of the Year Award.

Peggy Beatty is a teacher in her district's talented and gifted program.

Andrew Lee Mogle, a family and consumer science teacher at Norwalk High School, won the title. Gov. Chet Culver announced the honor last week.

Other finalists were Claudette Bees, a mathematics teacher at Hempstead High School in Dubuque; Debora Masker, a vocal music teacher at Kirn Junior High School in Council Bluffs; and Sheila Coyle, a visual arts teacher at North Middle School in Sioux City.

Culver said the teacher of the year award provides an opportunity to recognize an educator who motivates, challenges and inspires excellence.

Judy Jeffrey, director of the Iowa Department of Education, added the award is also a way to recognize teachers everywhere.

"Iowa has many outstanding individuals who serve as educators," she said. "This award allows us to honor not only Andy and his work, but also a profession that is truly one of the most rewarding and fulfilling."

Mogle and the finalists will attend a luncheon Oct. 26 at the Science Center of Iowa. Mogle's tenure as Iowa Teacher of the Year will run from January to December 2008.

The award was established in 1958 and is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through an appropriation by the Legislature. For information on the program, go online at www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/686/664.