Groesbeck Grad Leads Hands-On Mining Workshop for Texas Teachers at Luminant's Kosse Mine

The Texas Mining and Reclamation Association (TMRA) is excited to announce its annual Teacher Workshop, set to take place at Luminant's Kosse Mine from June 23 to June 28, 2024. This immersive educational event aims to provide teachers with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge about the mining industry and its crucial role in Texas's economy and environment.
The workshops, which are free, are designed to help educators bring back real-world, problem-solving activities to their students that encourage them to use critical thinking skills. As part of the program, teachers will take a hard hat tour of the Luminant Kosse Mine, see Luminant’s reclamation areas and soil pits first-hand, and participate in hands-on labs in the classroom. They will also have the opportunity to collect coal samples from an active mine pit.
“The lignite we mine here is a key part of the energy that keeps Texas running smoothly all year round,” said Cody Combs, Kosse Mine Director. “When these teachers leave here, they’ll have a solid grasp of how we mine coal and how we reclaim the land afterward. We’re excited to host these educators every summer and share the real story of Texas mining.”
Highlighting this year's event is the involvement of TMRA's Director of Education, Charitie Wright Whitman, a proud 1998 graduate of Groesbeck High School. Whitman has dedicated her career to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a deeper understanding of the mining industry among educators and students alike.
"It is a special honor to return to my hometown area and contribute to the professional development of teachers all over the state," said Whitman. "These workshops not only provide valuable knowledge and resources but also connects educators with the real-world applications of what they teach in the classroom."
Charitie Wright Whitman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and brings over 20 years of classroom experience to her role as the Director of Education. Residing in Tyler, TX, Whitman is deeply passionate about the Teacher Workshop program. Ten years ago, she attended her first TMRA workshop as a Coal Camp participant at the Jewett Mine, driven by a keen interest in the local hometown area.
Joining this year’s workshop is Holly Reidinger Prine, a third-grade teacher in Lockhart, Texas. Holly is originally from Thornton and is also a Groesbeck High School graduate. This will be Holly’s first TMRA Teacher Workshop. “I am thrilled to be attending this workshop and collaborating with fellow educators while rediscovering my hometown through a different lens. I love that it allows my students to see that learning never stops and there is always time to explore, even right at home!” added Prine.
Through TMRA’s Teacher Workshops, over a million students have now heard the true story of mining and reclamation in Texas. TMRA is certified by the Texas Environmental Education Advisory Council and is designated as a professional development provider by the State Board of Education Certification. TMRA hosts workshops covering coal, uranium, and industrial minerals mining.
The TMRA Teacher Workshop program is part of a broader initiative to promote STEM education and support teachers in delivering engaging and informative content. By experiencing the mining process firsthand, teachers can better illustrate the significance of the industry to their students, inspiring the next generation of engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists.
For more information about the TMRA Teacher Workshop at Luminant's Kosse Mine, please contact Charitie Wright Whitman at education@tmra.com .
About the Texas Mining and Reclamation Association (TMRA):
The Texas Mining and Reclamation Association is dedicated to advocating for responsible mining and reclamation practices in Texas. TMRA provides education and outreach programs to promote the importance of mining and its contributions to the economy and society. Through workshops, seminars, and community engagement, TMRA fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the mining industry.
About Luminant:
Luminant, a subsidiary of Vistra (NYSE: VST), is a competitive power generation business, including mining, wholesale marketing and trading, and development operations. Luminant has approximately 39,000 megawatts of generation across 12 states, powered by a diverse portfolio of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery storage facilities. The company operates in six of the seven competitive markets in the U.S. For more information, visit www.Luminant.com .