Riverton’s Betty Miller Named Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award Recipient

Cheyenne (April 25, 2003) — As a beginning teacher, Betty Miller believed her job involved knowing her subject matter thoroughly and presenting it clearly. “Eighteen years later, I have a different point of view,” she notes. “I now find my philosophy of teaching is an ongoing document that changes as I learn and grow as an educator and lifelong learner. I now know I am a teacher of human beings, not an instructor of reading, science or social studies.

“I believe in the worth of each individual and that my role is to assist students in acquiring knowledge about the world and in developing their abilities to solve problems,” Miller adds. “It is my dream for them to become lifelong learners.”

Miller knows how to go about realizing dreams. She is one of only 10 Wyoming teachers to receive a 2003 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal president and chief executive officer, made the announcement, accompanied by Governor Dave Freudenthal, Deputy Superintendent of Education Mary Kay Hill, and Kathryn Valido, a member of the executive committee of the Wyoming Education Association, during a ceremony at Cheyenne East High School.

“In this third year of our teacher recognition program in Wyoming, we continue to see teacher excellence across the state,” says Leer. “We believe outstanding teachers are the cornerstone of a good education. These recipients bring the magic of learning into their classrooms every day, and they have experience, expertise and a passion for learning themselves.”

Miller teaches sixth-grade students at Riverton Middle School, Riverton, Wyo. “I like to concentrate on making my classroom a place where students have the opportunity to become involved in their own learning through discussion, personal involvement, group work, participation and educationally fun activities,” she notes.

“My goal is for my students to enjoy coming to class, because if they do, then perhaps that enjoyment will stay in their minds and hearts and will translate to the love of learning for the subjects I teach.”

Miller earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree at the University of Wyoming. She continues her education through participation in staff-development workshops, conferences, training programs, courses, meetings and other education-related initiatives, and through affiliation with a number of professional education organizations. Miller has successfully applied for several grants, both personally and as a member of a team. She further supports her community through involvement in civic and additional education activities.

In addition to recognition, award recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted cash prize, a distinctive glass trophy and a framed certificate. The Arch Coal teacher recognition program features public nomination and peer selection. Arch Coal is supported by the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Education Association, Taco John’s and MiniMart in program promotion.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer and employs 600 people in Wyoming. Arch produces more than 65 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal annually at its Wyoming operations. The company’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, Mo.