Hampshire High’s Lewis Wins Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (March 5, 2006) – As an educator, Isaac Lee Lewis makes sure what is taught in his classroom is relevant to his students’ future educational and work-related pursuits. “My background helps me to bring real-life, current and meaningful learning situations into the confines of my classroom,” he notes. “My greatest drawback is having time to spend with industry professionals, to remain abreast with changes.”

Today, Lewis had an opportunity to spend time with a number of colleagues, yet likely didn’t have time for conversation. Lewis was one of only 12 teachers statewide to receive a 2007 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal chairman 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; Arch Coal President and Chief Operating Officer John Eaves; and West Virginia Education Association President Charles Delauder.

“Isaac Lewis not only challenges his students to understand, but to apply their lessons to their daily lives,” says Leer. “He pledges to teach his students in a real and meaningful way. This is just one example of how special this teacher is.”

Lewis teaches animal and veterinary science, agriculture and biology courses at Hampshire High School, Romney, W.Va. He believes students have a desire to be successful, regardless of the viewpoints presented. “It is the teacher’s responsibility to find their curiosity and to instigate, motivate and nourish it until the hard armor of the teenager has been shed,” he notes. “When entering the classroom each day, a teacher must believe in their abilities, have an organized plan and put students first, regardless of external pressures.”

“Mr. Lewis uses his personal farming background and extensive experience in livestock-management in the classroom,” notes Stephen E. Ritz, a district conservationist for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and member of the VO-AG Advisory Council at Hampshire High School. “He holds sheep-shearing schools, demonstrates ultrasound on ewes and just completed a major swine project with the W.Va. School for the Deaf and Blind, to name a few,” Ritz adds. “His classes are popular because, as I have heard from the students, ‘You learn something in Mr. Lewis’ classroom.’”

Lewis earned an associate’s degree at Potomac State College, and bachelor and master’s degrees at West Virginia University. Already certified in biology, he will soon complete general science certification as well. He has been on many committees that impact the animal science industry, currently serving on the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Committee for the education and eradication of a sheep disease. Since the onset of end-of-course testing in West Virginia vocational programs, 98.2 percent of students in Hampshire’s Animal Veterinary Science Program have met or exceeded state standards. In 2006, Hampshire was one of five schools awarded “exemplary status” by the State Board of Education. In February 2007, students will display their efforts to delegates and senators at the West Virginia capitol. Furthermore, the Hampshire County Future Farmers of America (FFA) was ranked among the top 300 chapters in the country, out of 7,200 nationwide. Lewis volunteers for a number of community and other school-related activities. He plans to pursue a doctorate in agricultural education.

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.

The teacher recognition awards are underwritten by the Arch Coal Foundation and supported in program-promotion by the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Education Association and the West Virginia Library Commission. The Arch Coal 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, Inc. is the nation’s second largest coal producer. The company’s core business is providing U.S. power generators with clean-burning, low-sulfur coal for electric generation. Through its national network of mines, Arch supplies the fuel for approximately 6 percent of the electricity generated in the United States. 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.