Nasia P. Butcher Named Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award Recipient

February 25, 2004 — Nasia P. Butcher believes all students deserve a better life, and the key to that end is change. "My methods of affecting change begin by showing students that settling for the status quo is simply not acceptable," she says. "Not all of my students are college bound, but all of them are shown that training beyond high school is essential and necessary in today’s global society. I encourage students to find their greatest talent and to build upon that talent."

Butcher has been maximizing her own talents for 15 years. Today, 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."

Butcher teaches English courses to sophomores and juniors at Gilmer County High School, Glenville, W.Va. "Not only do students need to be equipped with academic skills, but they also need to be aware that they live in a global society, even in Central West Virginia," notes Butcher, who is often referred to as the "multicultural queen," for her classroom focus. "I incorporate culture to teach students tolerance, understanding and awareness," she explains.

She also encourages students to reach beyond average goals or expectations. "If one sets high expectations, one will work harder to achieve them," Butcher notes. "I work to facilitate, question, direct and guide students to reach high expectations. Students sometimes want to cling to the status quo, but my objective is to urge them to achieve greater success by growing, reaching and learning."

Butcher earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at West Virginia University, Morgantown, and additional certification at Glenville State. She participated in a 2002 West Virginia Humanities Council 10-day Shakespearean study in England; the 2002 Toyota International Teachers Program; and the Department of Education’s Effective Schools training. Butcher has earned numerous professional recognitions and awards. Her future goals include applying for a Fulbright Memorial study and embarking on a doctoral program. Butcher further supports her community through involvement in a range of community-betterment 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.