Arch Insights
Jewkes Named Arch Coal Teacher
Achievement Award Recipient
RICHFIELD,
Utah (May 2, 2007) – As a child, Leslie Jewkes
never dreamed of becoming a teacher. “In fact, I
entered college with a passion for science and
math and an intense desire to use those skills
in medicine or engineering,” she recalls.
That changed when Jewkes took a dance class
requiring her to present a lesson to elementary
school children. “My partner and I planned and
presented a successful lesson to a group of
third-graders,” she notes. “As we were leaving,
we were told the presenting team after us had
walked out on a sixth-grade class because they
couldn’t ‘handle them,’ and we were asked to
step in. We didn’t find the class unruly. By
presenting a stimulating lesson and keeping all
students actively engaged, discipline problems
disappeared. I was hooked! A month later, I
changed my major to elementary education.”
If Jewkes’ students should become a bit unruly
today, she’ll likely excuse their behavior.
After all, their teacher isn’t ranked among the
state’s finest every day. Jewkes is one of five
teachers to earn an Arch Coal Teacher
Achievement Award. Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal’s
chairman and chief executive officer, made the
announcement during a presentation ceremony at
Ashman Elementary School in Richfield. Leer was
accompanied by Dixie Allen, state school board
member, and Ellen Thompson, vice president of
the Utah Education Association.
“Leslie so deeply believes in the ability of
each child to learn that she goes out of her way
to help them,” notes Leer. “In fact, each year
she volunteers to take the students who have
struggled with math in early grades, although
well aware it presents a greater challenge.
Leslie clearly defines the meaning of
‘teacher.’”
With 27 years of experience, Jewkes teaches
fourth-grade students at Castle Heights
Elementary, Price. “The most important thing I
do for my students is to make sure they are
actively engaged in learning and feel, every
day, that they are valuable individuals and
members of our class,” she says.
“My philosophy of teaching is summed up on a
fluorescent green sticky note I have attached to
the inside of my classroom desk drawer,” Jewkes
adds. “In bold capital letters, it reads, ‘Find
a way.’ I believe my most important job is to
find the specific way to reach every child.”
Jewkes earned her bachelor’s degree at the
University of Utah; a master’s degree at Brigham
Young University; and Gifted Endorsement at Utah
State. She participated in the Brigham Young
University Leader’s Preparation Program and
interned with local and state outstanding
principals, including the Superintendent of Utah
Schools. Jewkes served on Utah State guiding
committees for early childhood and science
education. She represented teachers statewide on
the SESAT elementary science team and was a
member of the team that wrote Utah State Core
Science Curriculum and tests for grades 4-6. The
Utah Science Teachers Association recognized
Jewkes as an Outstanding Science Educator. She
serves as a teaching coach, trainer and mentor.
Jewkes and a co-worker secured six grants,
totaling about $200,000, which provided computer
equipment for every classroom. She further
serves her community through a range of
volunteer initiatives.
The award is underwritten by the Arch Coal
Foundation. This is the first year the Arch Coal
Teacher Achievement Awards have been presented
in Utah. Classroom teachers in Carbon, Emery,
Sanpete and Sevier counties were eligible. More
than 150 nominations were received from the
public. In addition to recognition, award
recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted cash
prize, a distinctive trophy and a classroom
plaque.
The Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards program
is supported by the Office of the Governor, Utah
State Office of Education, Utah Education
Association, Utah School Superintendents
Association, the Carbon, Emery and Sevier
counties and North and South Sanpete school
districts, Far West Bank, Market Express, KUSA
FM/ KASL AM, and both TacoTime and Bookcliff
Sales, in Price.
Arch Coal is Utah’s largest coal producer and a
large state employer, with a combined workforce
of approximately 800 at its Dugout Canyon, Sufco
and Skyline mines. Through its combined
operations, Arch Coal is one of the nation’s
largest coal producers. The company is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and
maintains its corporate headquarters in St.
Louis.