Arch Insights
Susan Lynn Huggins Earns Arch Coal
Teacher Achievement Award
February
25, 2004 — Susan Lynn Huggins has loved school
for nearly as long as she can remember. "My love
affair with learning began as early as first
grade," Huggins says. "It is unbelievable to me
that more than 25 years have passed since I
began to teach. My days in the classroom,
although challenging, are filled with enjoyable
interaction that comes when students are busily
engaged in the fascinating business of
learning."
Today, Huggins readily left her classroom, but
with good reason. 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."
Huggins teaches English and journalism at
Williamstown High School, Williamstown, W.Va.,
where she strives to help students learn to
respect others and to communicate in a way that
makes the world a better place. "I want students
to realize their potential, and I feel I am good
at helping students recognize and use their
strengths and cope with any weaknesses they may
have," Huggins notes.
"Learning the skills taught in my English class
helps them communicate effectively and showcase
their thoughts and decision-making abilities,"
she adds. "I want them to anticipate their entry
into the adult world and to feel they have the
power to help change things they believe should
be improved."
Huggins earned a bachelor’s degree at Glenville
State College, Glenville, W.Va.; a master’s
degree at Ohio’s Marietta College; and
certification through the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards. She has
participated in West Virginia Center for
Professional Development institutes as both a
student and instructor, and her future plans
include completing a doctorate degree.
Through the years, Huggins’ most cherished
rewards came from students. "Receiving
invitations to academic honors banquets and to
the Governor’s Honors Academy as a favorite
educator is great, but so are the kids that
simply say ’thanks,’" she says. "You know you
have been a successful teacher when students say
you have helped them reach their potential."
Huggins further supports her community through
involvement in education and church 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.