Sheridan’s Doolin Receives Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

Cheyenne (April 25, 2003) — Timothy A. Doolin firmly believes all students can learn when presented with stimulating, engaging and applicable lessons. “If they are not engaged at school, they will be engaged by something else, whether it be the drug culture, vandalism, music videos, video games or simply pursuing the skewed perceptions of reality presented by Hollywood,” he notes.

“Therein lies my challenge as a teacher. I must be as interesting as these external stimuli,” says Doolin. “With this belief as the heart of my teaching philosophy, I have a somewhat unique approach to teaching.”

And it shows. Doolin 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.”

Doolin, a language arts teacher at Sheridan Junior High, Sheridan, Wyo., knows teachers today compete with a barrage of other exciting and engaging forms of media. “I must be as interesting and captivating, or many kids will tune me out,” he says. “Therefore I look for every slant, activity, argument and action that transforms ‘dull and lifeless’ lessons into zany, and yet applicable, instruction.

“I continuously strive to present multi-sensory lessons that incorporate at least one component of every learning style, changing my approach at least three or more times per lesson,” he adds. “When students are engaged and having fun, they learn to the best of their abilities.”

Doolin earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wyoming, and he has continued his education through completion of a number of technology courses he incorporates into his instruction. Coursework offered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in conjunction with the University of Wyoming, enabled Doolin to co-sponsor his school’s Eco Club, which helps provide outdoor opportunities for more than 30 students. He further supports his community through involvement in civic, church and environmental initiatives.

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.