Warner Wins Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (May 3, 2006) – Roger Poll Warner credits a couple of excellent role models with influencing his career choice. “Education has been a part of my life since I can remember. My father, an educator and principal, always stressed the importance of education,” says Warner. “As an elementary student, I had the same fourth- and sixth-grade [male] teacher, who made learning fun and helped to boost my confidence.

“The example of these two men helped me realize the impact teaching can have on one individual. My hope and desire is that I can have such an impact on someone else’s life. This is what drives and motivates me as I begin each new school year.”

Warner most certainly has impacted the lives of others – and likely for generations to come. Today he was among only 10 teachers statewide to earn a 2006 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal chairman and chief executive officer, made the announcement during a presentation ceremony this afternoon at Johnson Junior High School. He was accompanied by Gov. and First Lady Dave and Nancy Freudenthal; Mary Kay Hill, director of administration for the Department of Education; Wyoming Education Association Executive Director Jean Hayek; and Arch Coal President and Chief Operating Officer John Eaves.

“Roger Warner sees his students as individuals and knows that each learns in his or her own unique way,” says Leer. “What is more impressive is that he uses varied methods of teaching so that all children can be reached and achieve their potential.”

Warner teaches fourth-grade students at Cokeville Elementary in Cokeville, Wyo. “Each year, as I look at my new class, I try to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each student,” he notes. “When I see similar weaknesses to mine, my heart goes out. I reach out to help them overcome these as much as I can, so they don’t feel the same frustrations I did in those elementary years. When I see one of my strengths, I try to help them reach their full potential, knowing the confidence they can gain through success.

“When giving advice to someone considering becoming a teacher, the first thing I tell them is, You must have a love for children,” says Warner. Education is not a profession you go into for selfish reasons. You have to have a desire to prepare and assist children for success in life. Be accepting of children from all walks of life. You never know which child will be most in need of your care and attention. Education needs people who have a hope and a vision for what children can become in the future.”

Warner earned his bachelor’s degree at Utah State University, Logan. He has completed 60+ graduate hours and furthers his development through participation in educational workshops, training/development courses, and school and district committees. Within the community, he has served as a Boy and Cub Scout leader, a volunteer teacher for the Hunter’s Safety Program, and a volunteer ski instructor. Warner also is actively involved with the Cokeville City Planning and Zoning Commission.

In addition to recognition, teacher achievement 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, Loaf ‘n Jug, and the Wyoming Library community in program promotion. This is the sixth 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 produces more than 90 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal annually at its Wyoming operations. The company’s Black Thunder operation in Campbell County is one of the nation’s largest and most efficient coal mines. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.

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