MANSFIELD (AP) — An elementary school art instructor was named Thursday as Connecticut's teacher of the year.

Kim King teaches art to students in preschool through the fourth grade at both the Southeast Elementary School and the Annie E. Vinton School in Mansfield.

She was surprised by a visit Thursday morning from Gov. Ned Lamont and other state officials.

“Ms. King embodies so many of the qualities that delivers success in our schools, and her colleagues in Mansfield Public Schools have been singing her praises,” Lamont said. “I am fortunate enough to have had several inspiring teachers when I was growing up, and I understand the impact that an educator can have on the lives of students.”

King was recognized for using art education to “nurture and stretch her students’ thinking while also helping them recognize the commonality between their own stories and experiences to those of others.”

The award also noted King's work in “creating safe and equitable spaces of learning” for her students and the greater community.

King, who holds a master's degree in art education from New York University, also has taught in East Hartford and Westbrook.

“Kim is deeply committed to student-centered practices and supports children to find their voice and express themselves through a discovery-focused process of making art,” Mansfield Public Schools Superintendent Kelly Lyman said. “Kim will be a wonderful advocate for all teachers.”