Gleason Recognized for Excellence in Teaching; Receives Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (March 1, 2006) – Lynn Gleason believes all students can learn. “It is my job to determine how I need to approach each student so that he or she can reach his or her full potential in my class,” she says. “Each student brings unique life experiences and abilities that affect his/her learning. Students often come to class with an overload of problems from home. I believe that I can lighten their burdens by equipping them with skills for coping in their world beyond that classroom. A sense of humor and lots of patience are certainly required in this profession,” she adds. “But rewards are reaped exponentially.”

Today Gleason received one such reward. She was among only 12 teachers statewide to receive a 2006 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Robert W. Shanks, president of Arch Coal’s eastern operations, representing 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; First Lady Gayle Manchin; Secretary of Education and Arts Kay Goodwin; Deputy State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jack McClanahan; and West Virginia Education Association President Charles Delauder.

“Lynn Gleason is the science teacher we wish every child could have,” said Leer. “I’m sure her classroom is an exciting place of exploration and discovery. I know she is successful in her goal of having every child achieve success.”

Gleason teaches science to fifth-grade students at Chapmanville Middle School in Chapmanville. “Having taught for over 30 years, I can easily recognize an exceptional teacher, and Lynn Gleason is one of the finest,” notes a colleague, Terilyn Wilson. “She consistently demonstrates sound, effective and creative teaching strategies.

“Lynn greets her students with enthusiasm and a friendly smile each morning. Students never know what to expect when they enter the creative center Lynn calls her classroom. Perhaps they will be making an electrical circuit quiz board or exploring the body systems via Internet and hands-on activities. Whatever the day’s choice, students are assured they are about to embark on an adventure as they explore a variety of science concepts,” said Wilson.

Gleason earned her bachelor’s degree at Marshall University and she continues her development through participation in workshops, conferences, and other education/training opportunities. She is a member of the W.Va. Science Cadre and has served as a student teacher supervisor. Gleason also has served in several leadership capacities for faculty senates in Chapmanville schools, and she was Logan County’s 2005 Teacher of the Year Award recipient. Gleason is vice president of the Theta Chapter of the International Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and she further supports her community through a range of church-related activities, one of which involves coordination of 150-180 boxes of necessities for area families each month.

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 the West Virginia Library Commission 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 and mines clean-burning, low-sulfur coal exclusively. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.

Information about each of the 12 recipients is posted on the Arch Coal Web site: www.archcoal.com.