Chesterfield Teacher Surprised with $1,000 Award from Peabody Energy

A Chesterfield teacher received a pleasant surprise last week when she walked into a room at the Chesterfield Day School and was greeted by cheering students and a check for $1,000.

A math teacher at the school, Susan Sullivan has been named a Peabody Energy Leader in Education for the 2012-13 school year, a recognition that comes with a an award of $1,000 for her compassion and commitment to students. 

Sullivan takes the term “math teacher” to a whole new level by incorporating innovative techniques to keep math learning at Chesterfield Day School at a high standard, according to a press release from Peabody Energy. She adopted the Singapore Math curriculum and is responsible for spearheading efforts to allow her students to operate the school’s store, in which they have a hand in store operations such as purchasing, pricing, managing and selling inventory. Sullivan’s outside-the-box teaching methods helped her students win 13 Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Awards this year.

The Peabody Energy Leaders in Education program rewards dedicated education professionals—from teachers and coaches to librarians and counselors—who inspire and motivate youth to succeed. Award recipients are selected throughout the school year by a committee of top educators and business leaders.

The Leaders program was developed in Missouri in 2009. The 2012-2013 award program is continuing to accept nominations and is open to educational professionals of public, private and independent schools in designated communities where Peabody Energy employees live and work. Nominations may be made here.

Honorees are selected from a diverse group of educators. They can range from veteran teachers to individuals in support staff roles such as administrators, coaches or counselors.