Douglas Primary School’s Corey Davidson Wins Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

Cheyenne (April 25, 2003) — When Corey Davidson counsels those considering a teaching career, “I let them know that loving kids is the most important part of the job,” he says. “I also let them know that teaching is extremely demanding and challenging. However, I also let them know that if they do choose to teach that great effort reaps great reward, especially in a field that helps kids.”

Davidson just received one of those “great” rewards. He 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.”

Davidson teaches kindergarten at Douglas Primary School, Douglas, Wyo. “I know that in kindergarten I am building strong foundations for the children,” he notes. “In today’s society, I understand there are families that don’t have the means to provide their children with the support they need during the initial years of their schooling.

“These are not only educational foundations, but emotional ones as well,” he adds. “I teach them the fundamentals that will carry them through the rest of their school careers, but I also strive to provide a nurturing environment. By doing these things, I hope to provide children with a love for school, a love for learning and a love for life.”

Davidson earned an associate’s degree at Eastern Wyoming College at Torrington; a bachelor’s at Black Hills State, Spearfish, S.D.; and a master’s degree at Lesley University, Cambridge, Mass. He continues his education through training programs, such as Guided Reading and Bridges Mathematics. He is a member of his school’s Building Intervention and Crisis Intervention teams, and he volunteers for various school athletic activities. Davidson also is a member of the area Moose Lodge, which emphasizes family involvement.

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.