Christine W. Cline Named Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award Recipient

March 15, 2005 - Christine W. Cline became a teacher because it’s what she was meant to be. “I love this job and teach because I want to, not because I have no other choice,” she says. “I enjoy working with students, being rewarded when they are able to graduate and pursue the careers of their dreams. The success of my students is what motivates me to continue teaching.”

Today Cline’s own success warrants praise and attention. She is one of only 12 teachers throughout the state 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 at the state capitol. He was accompanied by West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin; Secretary of Education and Arts Kay Goodwin; State Schools Superintendent David Stewart; and West Virginia Education Association President Tom Lange.

“Christine Cline is very deserving of this honor,” says Leer. “There are so many excellent teachers in the state. She is obviously among the ‘best of the best.’ Arch Coal believes classroom teachers, who nurture the love of lifelong education in our children, deserve the respect and admiration of all West Virginia citizens.”

Cline is a math instructor at Gilbert High School, Gilbert, W.Va. Her teaching philosophy is simple – to help students anytime and anywhere she possibly can. “If a student is willing to work, I want to be available to provide any assistance that I can give,” Cline says. “After 22 years, I am proud to say that I still enjoy going to school every day and facing the challenge of educating my students. I have made it a personal goal for my students to do well in their college math classes.

“I strive to give my students the best preparation possible,” she adds. “In order to do this, I believe in being present and ready to work every day. After 22 years, I have perfect attendance for 18 years. My students know I will be there, and I expect them to be there as much as possible.”

Cline earned her bachelor’s degree at Concord College, Athens, W.Va.; a master’s degree and Middle Childhood Certification from Marshall University, Huntington, W.Va.; and National Board Certification in math. She also has earned 120 hours of graduate credit, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Cline continues her education through workshops and academies. She has served as coach for Mingo County’s Math Field Day for 14 years and participated on six county teams designed to improve curriculum, teaching methods and test scores. She is the faculty senate president and was the 2002 Mingo County Teacher of the Year. In 2003 and 2004 Cline received the Arch Coal Golden Apple Achiever Award. She further supports her community through church, extracurricular and other education-related activities.

In addition to recognition, award recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted cash prize, a distinctive trophy and a classroom plaque. The West Virginia Foundation for the Improvement of Education makes 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. Nominations of the teachers are made by the public and selection is made by a blue-ribbon panel of the teachers’ peers – previous recipients of the award.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer. Nearly 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, Mo.