Salina Elementary’s Williams Receives Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award

MANTI, Utah (April 29, 2010) – Terri Lyn Williams’ classroom is a safe place, where there are no failures – only learning opportunities that are stepping stones on the path to success, according to Williams. “It is my responsibility to make use of teaching moments and make my students’ journey a little easier,” she says. “By giving them explicit teaching and modeling of the concept to be taught, guided practice, a gradual release of responsibility to independent practice and having a classroom environment that’s supportive and motivational, each child does their best and loves learning.”

Today Williams’ was recognized for her love of learning and her dedication to helping others do the same. Williams was one of only five Utah teachers to receive an Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award. Arch Coal Senior Vice President Paul Lang made the announcement at Manti Elementary School. He was accompanied by State School Board Member Dixie Allen and Utah Education Association Executive Director Mark Mickelsen. This is the fourth year the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards have been made in Utah.

“Terri Lyn Williams sets high yet realistic expectations for all of her students,” says Lang. “At the same time, she lets them know they are valued as individuals and that speed is not as important as the direction in which they are headed. As a result, she and her students celebrate small successes along the way.”

A Redmond resident and 16-year teaching veteran, Williams teaches third-grade students at Salina Elementary School. “Teachers have an opportunity to mold lives and watch the ripples of their teaching silently touch the future,” says Williams. “I love children, and I love what I do. So I hope, as I wrap the cloak of education around my students, that my enthusiasm bubbles over into my teaching and they learn more than just academics. I want them to know I believe in them while they learn to set goals, communicate, serve others and to believe in themselves.”

“I have known Mrs. Williams for approximately 10 years; she was my third-grade teacher,” notes Jaleesa Dumas, now a junior in high school. “In her class, I learned important academic skills, such as typing and the basics of mathematics. One of my most memorable projects from her class was writing and illustrating my own book,” Dumas adds. “With Mrs. Williams’ help, every student in class had the opportunity to publish a story and keep it in the library for others to enjoy. Creating this book helped me realize that I can do hard things.”

Williams earned an associate degree at Snow College, Ephraim, Utah; a bachelor’s degree at Southern Utah University, Cedar City; and a master’s degree plus 30 graduate-credit hours at Utah State University, Logan. She also holds gifted/talented and reading endorsements. Williams is currently enrolled in math-endorsement classes and upon completion will have achieved 62 graduate credits and attended more than 50 professional development workshops and seminars. Another aspect of her continuing education involves learning about other cultures. After sponsoring a German exchange student for a year, she traveled to Germany and later to Ghana, West Africa. Williams has been nominated for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers three times and is a past recipient of two Arch Coal Golden Apple Achiever awards. Williams further supports her community through involvement in the U.S. Forest Service Gooseberry Program, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Salina Stake Primary Presidency and several scouting initiatives.

The Arch Coal Foundation’s teacher recognition program is available to classroom teachers in Carbon, Emery, Sanpete and Sevier counties. The counties surround the Skyline, Dugout Canyon and Sufco mines operated by Canyon Fuel Company, a subsidiary of major U.S. coal producer Arch Coal, Inc. Each recipient receives a distinctive trophy, a classroom plaque and a $3,500 personal, cash award.

Partners for the program include the Office of the Governor, Utah State Office of Education, Utah Education Association, Utah School Superintendents Association, Carbon County School District, Emery County School District, Sevier County School District, North Sanpete School District, South Sanpete School District, Far West Bank, Market Express, radio stations KMTI, KLGL, KMGR, KSVC, KCYQ, KOAL, KARB, KRPX, and both TacoTime and Bookcliff Sales in Price.

Arch Coal is Utah’s largest coal producer and a large, state employer with a workforce of approximately 800. Through all its operations, Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.