Arch Insights
Cokeville Elementary’s Rocky W. Moore
Earns Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award
Cheyenne
(May 3, 2002) - As unlikely as it may seem,
Rocky W. Moore decided to become a teacher while
in a closet. Before deciding his college major,
Moore was asked to tutor a small group of
fifth-graders. “The reading lesson was to be
taught in a broom closet,” he explains. “It was
during this lesson that I discovered the
rewarding world of education.”
It’s been 32 years since Moore became a teacher.
Twenty-three years ago, he joined the staff at
Cokeville Elementary, where it is no coincidence
he teaches fifth-grade students.
The wisdom of Moore’s career choice has long
since come to “light” in much larger classrooms
– and now, throughout the state. Today, he 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 in at
Jessup Elementary School in Cheyenne, which
honored award recipients.
“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!”
“As last year’s fifth-graders enter my
sixth-grade room each fall, they come with a
deep respect and love for Mr. Moore,” notes
colleague Lila Rigby. “Many students say he
makes learning fun. He has car races to motivate
students to learn their state capitals. He has a
Romeo and Juliet activity to teach fractions. …
He is always trying to get the students to think
on their own.”
“I have heard him tell students that to succeed,
you have to have faith in your own ability — and
that all of them have that ability,” adds
Cokeville secretary Christine Cook. “He
encourages self-esteem in all students and finds
ways to build them up, so they feel good about
themselves.”
Moore, who earned his bachelor’s degree at
Eastern Montana College, strives to provide a
controlled, enjoyable, safe and productive
learning environment. “I feel that I develop a
classroom atmosphere that encourages a positive
self-concept in all my students,” says Moore.
His creative activities and teaching methods are
known locally as “Dog and Pony Shows,” according
to Moore. “These programs are designed to teach
a concept so that they give each student a
chance to respond correctly,” he explains.
“These ‘shows’ begin the year with no incorrect
answers, which allows students to gain in
confidence and feel success,” he notes. “As
these ‘shows’ change, the students gain in
confidence and are willing to take a chance.
“My students learn early that we work as a
team,” Moore adds. “Working together, the
students and I feel safe to respond and
contribute to the total education of the class.”
Each 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.