Rasmussen Earns Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

RICHFIELD, Utah (May 2, 2007)  – “I knew I was to be a teacher at a very young age,” notes Stacey A. Rasmussen. “I grew up in a family of educators, and I was good with children. If a career could be something inherited or genetically predetermined, teaching was definitely my destiny.”

Destiny may have helped Rasmussen become a teacher, however her own hard work has made her an admirable one. Today Rasmussen was 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.

“Stacey strives to make each student feel safe and accepted because she suspects some children don’t receive love and attention at home,” says Leer. “She publicly praises them and privately corrects them – making each feel valued as an individual of worth.”

With 16 years of experience, Rasmussen teaches fourth-grade students at Spring City Elementary. “I feel the most important thing I do for students is to help them realize they are in control of their learning and future,” she notes. “They have the ability to attain whatever goals they desire. Knowledge is the key.

“One weakness I possess is the fact that I want to do everything,” Rasmussen adds. “There are many creative ideas and simply not enough time. I try to incorporate new ideas throughout the year and modify them to meet students’ needs.”

Rasmussen earned bachelor and master’s degrees, and Gifted/Talented Endorsement at Utah State University; and English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement at Brigham Young University. She continues her professional development through courses, workshops and other education-related opportunities. Rasmussen further supports her community through church, scouting, Primary Presidency, humanitarian and extracurricular education activities.

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 from 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.