Elizabeth Weinstock Morgan Named Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award Recipient

February 25, 2004 — Elizabeth Weinstock Morgan will never forget something her mother once shared. "She feared she had not done anything to make a difference in the world," Morgan recalls. "Then she realized she had brought me into the world, and I was a teacher. Every day, every year, I affected lives and thus, she thought, I was her immortality.

"That is quite a responsibility, and yet it is those relationships in the classroom that keep me teaching and loving the time I spend with my students," says Morgan.

Today, Morgan gave further proof of her mother’s valuable contribution. She became one of only 10 teachers in West Virginia to earn a 2004 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; State Schools Superintendent Dr. David Stewart; and WVEA President Tom Lange, in a presentation ceremony at the state capitol.

"When I see the accomplishments of our honorees, I know the students of West Virginia are in good hands," says Leer. "Each day, these teachers challenge, inspire and help students develop a passion for life-long learning. Arch Coal is proud to recognize some of the state’s most talented teachers."

Morgan teaches English and communications to senior-level students at Williamstown High School. She believes a good teacher possesses a thorough knowledge of the material, carefully plans objectives and presents material in an interesting and relevant way.

"I love what I do - excluding grading papers!" Morgan says. "The students see my enthusiasm and the love I have for my subject and the respect I have for them, and they respond. I believe it is attitude that affects learning."
 
Morgan earned a bachelor’s degree at Ohio’s Marietta College and a master’s degree from West Virginia University at Morgantown. An advocate of lifelong learning, Morgan attended Advanced Placement English courses at Concord College two years in a row. She was selected to study "Shakespeare: Text and Performance" in England and takes courses aimed at improving her students’ computer skills. Morgan is a West Rome High School Teacher of the Year and a Wood County Teacher of the Year. She also has been recognized four times for being a student’s most influential teacher. Morgan further supports her community through education, church and civic activities.

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. 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.

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 the longest running, privately sponsored teacher recognition program 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.