WESTBROOK – A middle school art teacher from Westbrook was honored Monday as Maine’s teacher of the year for 2004.

Marguerite Lawler-Rohner learned of her selection from state Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron at a surprise assembly at Wescott Junior High School.

Gendron praised Lawler-Rohner for her “excellence as a teacher and for being an outstanding role model in the field of art.”

Lawler-Rohner will represent Maine in the national teacher of the year competition. The winner will be announced in April at the White House.

Lawler-Rohner, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, has taught at Wescott Junior High School since 1999. She also has been an instructor since 1991 at the Maine College of Art and the University of Southern Maine.