Frankfort Middle School’s Susan P. Stone Becomes Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award Recipient

Charleston (March 6, 2003) – As early as age 6, Susan P. Stone would drag her siblings and friends into a large walk-in closet, equipped with chairs and a chalkboard. “Being a teacher was my dream then, and I am living that dream now,” she says.

Stone may have gone even beyond her dreams. She is one of only 10 West Virginia 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 West Virginia Governor Bob Wise; Secretary of Education and Arts Kay Goodwin; Deputy State Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Paine; and WVEA President Tom Lange, at a presentation ceremony at the state capitol.

This year’s ‘class’ of recipients is proof that West Virginia is blessed with many excellent teachers,” says Leer. “We truly believe excellent teachers are the cornerstone of our society and economic vitality. These recipients have experience, expertise and a passion for learning, and they pass it on to their students every day.”

“Sue is a thoroughly professional teacher, who is dedicated to serving the students and peers with whom she works,” notes Assistant Superintendent Robert P. Mason. “Her accomplishments have a positive impact on the students, the school, the county and even the state.”

Stone teaches fifth-grade students andstudents enrolled in the gifted program at Frankfort Middle School, Ridgely. She strives to teach students to continue to learn for themselves. “I try to create a classroom that accepts diversity and different perspectives, while at the same time manages multiple learning styles,” she notes. “By utilizing the many aspects of technology and resources to maximize achievement, and by working closely with parents, I feel that I am able to teach each child as though he were my own.

“I believe education begins in the home, moves to the classroom, advances to the workplace, and finally filters into our society as a whole,” Stone adds. “A good teacher provides lessons to develop a well-educated, responsible adult, who is given every opportunity to attain his purpose in life and to contribute to the community.”

Stone earned an associate’s degree at Anne Arundel Community College; a bachelor’s at Salisbury State University; and a master’s at Frostburg State University. She continues her education through participation in a variety of education-related activities and is currently working to attain National Board certification. Stone further supports her community through involvement in church, sports and civic initiatives.

In addition to recognition, recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted cash prize, a distinctive glass trophy and a framed certificate. The West Virginia Foundation for the Improvement of Education is making a $1,000 award to each recipient’s school for use with at-risk students. The Arch Coal teacher recognition program features public nomination and peer selection.

Arch Coal is supported by the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Education Association and Speedway in program promotion. Arch Coal’s Teacher Achievement Awards is one of the longest running, privately sponsored teacher recognition programs in the state.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer and a supplier of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal exclusively. Approximately 2,000 people are employed at Arch’s operations in West Virginia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis.