(AP) — A middle school teacher in eastern Nebraska has been named the state’s teacher of the year.

The state Department of Education says Kristi Bundy of Ashland-Greenwood Middle School in Ashland was given the title for 2014 during a surprise award presentation on Tuesday.

Bundy, a sixth grader teacher, was one of four finalists. She wrote in her application that she believed education helps people be successful.

The state education department will honor Bundy and the other finalists at a luncheon in November.