Arch Coal Honors Sheridan High’s Garber with Teacher Achievement Award

May 3, 2004 — Being with students, mentoring students and guiding them into their future - that’s what motivates Carol Marie Garber to teach. "I cherish the time I have getting to know students personally and being able to help them transition into adulthood," she notes.

"The most important thing I do for students is to be a positive role model," Garber adds. "I listen to them and do not judge who they are or what they are doing. I think that I provide a safe environment where students feel comfortable and important." 

Garber is a positive role model to students - and colleagues, too. Today she became one of only 10 Wyoming teachers to earn a 2004 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal president and chief executive officer, made the announcement, accompanied by Wyo. Governor Dave Freudenthal; Dr. Cheryl Schroeder, educational consultant representing Dr. Trent Blankenship, superintendent of public instruction; and Gary McDowell, president of the Wyoming Education Association, during a ceremony at Carey Junior High School in Cheyenne.

"These teachers challenge and inspire students to reach for their dreams," said Leer. "They are helping build a stronger Wyoming and a stronger America one student at a time. Arch Coal is proud to recognize some of the state’s most talented teachers and their tremendous contributions to our society."

Garber teaches careers/business courses at Sheridan High School where all classroom activities show relevance to the working world. "My philosophy of teaching is based on the ideal that each student should be treated as if he or she were a ’10,’ " Garber says. "I believe that it is important to find strengths in every student. I have seen what happens when a student realizes one person believes in him or her. When a student knows that someone is there supporting them, it changes a student’s entire outlook on school. 

"Another part of my teaching philosophy is to treat my classroom as if it were a job," Garber adds. "Since we learn about job and career skills in class, that is how the classroom is run. Students understand they must meet deadlines, work as a team and demonstrate work ethics to succeed in class."

Garber earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, and she is currently working toward a master’s degree. She continues her education through participation in conferences and training sessions, including Quantum Learning, which demonstrates ways to make learning exciting. Garber further serves her school and community through involvement in church activities, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Advocacy and Resource Center, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sheridan County Society of Human Resource Managers, and the Sheridan County Youth Partnership Committee. 

In addition to recognition, award recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted cash prize, a distinctive trophy and a classroom plaque. 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 one of the nation’s largest coal producers and employs approximately 650 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.