Kreuter Wins Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

May 3, 2005 – Beth Kreuter has a word of advice for those interested in becoming an elementary classroom teacher. “Be ready!” she says. “Be ready to see the world through the eyes of a child. Be ready to accept students with diverse needs and experiences. Be ready to be challenged by your students. Be ready to be involved.”

Kreuter herself needs to be ready for a wave of congratulations. Today she was one of only 10 teachers statewide to earn a 2005 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal president and chief executive officer, made the announcement during a presentation ceremony this afternoon at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School. Leer was accompanied by Governor Dave Freudenthal, Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal, Wyoming Department of Education Chief of Staff Lisa Skiles Parady, and Wyoming Education Association Executive Director Jean Hayek.

“Teachers, like Beth Kreuter, are critical to the success of Wyoming,” said Leer. “Arch Coal is proud to recognize her as one of our award recipients. Beth indicated that she ‘hopes to empower her students to become confident, compassionate, responsible young men and women who love a lifetime of learning.’ To Arch Coal, it is clear that she has succeeded.”

Kreuter teaches science, math, language arts and Spanish to fifth-grade students at Sundance Elementary, Sundance, Wyo. “She taught all three of my children, and I have seen for myself what a positive effect she has on students,” notes Gerri Moore, a parent and high school teacher. “She helped my daughter above and beyond classroom work by assisting her in reading after school and on her own time.

“More importantly, Beth Kreuter is such a good role model for children,” Moore adds. “She is kind, understanding and treats all children the same. She helps build their confidence and makes them feel good about themselves. When I asked my children about her, a few things they stated were: ‘She makes learning fun, is a very good person and is the best teacher ever.’”

Kreuter earned her bachelor’s degree at Black Hills State University, Spearfish, S.D. and has taken additional hours at BHSU, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Wyoming and Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif. She continues her education through participation in a wide range of workshops. Kreuter chaired the Language Arts Committee when writing was a school-improvement goal. She is a recipient of an Arch Coal Golden Apple Award and a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science. “Yet my greatest achievements are current and former students – those who simply thank me for being there for them, who invite me to graduations and other important events in their lives and who ask to student teach under my supervision,” Kreuter says. She has been involved in a wide range of youth events within the community since 1977 and also participates in health-related activities and initiatives.

In addition to recognition, teacher award recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted, personal cash award, a distinctive trophy and a 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 Loaf ‘n Jug in program promotion. This is the fifth year Arch Coal has made the awards in Wyoming.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer and employs approximately 900 people in Wyoming. Arch Coal’s Black Thunder mine sells more than 90 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal on an annual basis. Located in Campbell County, Black Thunder mine is one of the largest and most efficient coal mines in the world. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.