West Elementary’s Christine Marie Allen Receives Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

Cheyenne (May 3, 2002) - After 20 years of performing unfulfilling tasks, Christine Marie Allen reports having just spent the most amazing four-and-a-half years of her life. “I have begun teaching,” she explains, “and I look forward to each and every day!”

Allen’s enthusiasm — and expertise — have definitely been noticed at Burn’s West Elementary, where she teaches third-grade students. Today, Allen was one of only 10 Wyoming teachers to receive a 2002 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award.

Steven F. Leer, president and chief executive officer of Arch Coal, made the announcement. Gov. Jim Geringer, Superintendent of Public Instruction Judy Catchpole, and Wyoming Education Association Communications Director Ron Sniffin joined Leer at a ceremony at Jessup Elementary School in Cheyenne, where the recipients were honored.

“Arch Coal is pleased to honor 10 excellent Wyoming teachers, who every day bring the magic of learning to their students,” Leer says. “We believe that great classroom teachers are primary, positive influences in American education. I know these teachers dare their students to succeed — and then teach them how!”

“Christy Allen is a dynamic teacher, who conducts herself in a highly professional manner at all times,” notes Allen’s co-teacher and mentor Susan K. Rohweder. “Her classroom is an oasis of learning opportunities. She allows for the uniqueness of each student and helps them grow to their potential.”

“This lady has shown a whole new way of teaching to her students,” adds parent and school-bus driver Paula Dennis. “She teaches not only from the books, but mainly from the heart and soul. She has students in her class at various learning levels, yet she still manages to educate them all. She is truly a remarkable teacher.”

After earning an associate’s degree in education at Laramie County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Wyoming, Allen began her new career in 1997. “I am still amazed at how much I enjoy teaching, even though I’ve always know that’s what I wanted to do,” she says. “Teaching is a perfect fit for me. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity in my life.”

Allen credits her father, a former teacher and administrator, with having set her example. “His devotion and excellence have been demonstrated many times, as past students would come to him and tell him he made such a tremendous difference in their lives,” she explains. “That’s what motivates me to teach: a pure love for children and wanting to be a positive influence in their lives. They are, after all, our future — definitely worth every ounce of energy!”

Allen resides in Cheyenne.

Each award recipient receives a $2,500 unrestricted cash award and a distinctive glass trophy, in addition to other recognition. The Arch Coal teacher recognition program is unique because it features public nomination and peer selection. This is the second year for the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards in Wyoming.
The Department of Education, the Wyoming Education Association, Taco John’s and MiniMart support Arch Coal in the program.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer and employs more than 500 people in Wyoming. The company annually produces more than 65 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal at its Wyoming operations. Arch’s Black Thunder operation, in Campbell County, is one of the nation’s largest and most efficient coal mines. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis.