BAMBERG, Germany — A seventh-grade language arts instructor at Vicenza Middle School in Italy is among the four finalists for the 2012 National Teacher of the Year competition.

Angela Wilson, 37, who also teaches forensics, is the first Department of Defense Education Activity teacher to reach the late stage of the competition, according to a DODEA press release Thursday.

President Barack Obama will announce the winner during National Teacher of the Year activities in Washington, D.C., April 23-27, the release states.

The National Teacher of the Year program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. The recipient of the 2012 honor will represent teachers across the U.S., and work with policymakers at all levels as an advocate of the teaching profession, according to the organization’s website.