St. Marys Elementary School’s Patricia L. Moffett Receives Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

Charleston − “From my family, I have learned the importance of many valuable teacher traits: kindness, patience, perseverance, fun, enjoyment, listening and caring,” says Patricia L. Moffett, a music and choir teacher in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth grade at St. Marys Elementary School.

Today, Moffett was rewarded for portraying those same values in her classroom. In making the announcement, Arch Coal President and Chief Executive Officer Steven F. Leer presented Moffett with a $2,500 award. Also on hand to honor Moffett were Governor Bob Wise, Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Stewart, and West Virginia Education Association President Tom Lange.

In the course of her teaching, Moffett instructs 500 children each week in music. “Together we enjoy singing folk songs, songs from other cultures, patriotic songs, classics and singing games. We listen, move expressively, and dance to folk music, the music of the masters, and music that is new. By experiencing music through a myriad of ways, the children grow in self-esteem, creativity, and expressive qualities, and they gain musical knowledge and understanding,” she says.

“The children provide the infinite inspiration. As their expectant faces come into the music room, I know they deserve the very best that I can give them,” she adds. “Inspiration also comes as I witness the excellent teaching around me. I see my colleagues working with the children, and I am encouraged to be better myself.”

“Ms. Moffett encouraged me and enabled me to achieve at the highest level,” says Frances Guess, a music instructor. “Her extensive knowledge of the discipline and her unquestionable talent as a performer have been motivators and an inspiration to pursue a career in music.”

According to Dr. H. G. Young III, “Patty has two passions − children and music. Her love of both makes her as special teacher. There is no one else I know who cares more deeply, shares more generously, or invests more of herself with her students than Patty.”

“Patty is involved in many organizations, which enhance her profession,” says Thomas J. Hardbarger, principal at St. Marys elementary. “She is the co-founder of the West Virginia All State Children’s Chorus and President of the American Choral Directors Association. Her genuine love for her profession and especially her love for the children she teaches is evidenced every day.”

Currently, Moffett and her students are incorporating technology into music learning, using a new music class computer.

Moffett, who has taught for 26 years, has a bachelor’s in Music Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Indiana University.

Arch Coal in the nation’s second largest coal producer. Arch employs about 2,000 people in West Virginia. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and makes its corporate headquarters in St., Louis, Mo.