Teacher Applications Due January 6

Charleston, W.Va. - January 3, 2003 - West Virginians nominated 448 teachers for the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award this year, according to John R. Snider, vice president of external affairs for the company's eastern region. The total does not include multiple nominations for the same teacher.

"The number of nominations nearly matches last year's total, but was accomplished in a much shorter time period," Snider said. "We believe this level of response reaffirms that people recognize that West Virginia is blessed with many outstanding teachers. It also supports our belief that teaching excellence is a cornerstone of educational achievement by our children."

Applications from nominated teachers are due Monday, Jan. 6, 2003. Snider said he also expects a high number of applications. In the past, the awards were made in May. However, because this year's Arch Coal awards ceremony is scheduled for March 6, the program's nomination period was shortened by almost 60 days.

The Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards program is the longest running, privately sponsored teacher awards program in the state. Ten teachers will receive unrestricted $2,500 grants from Arch Coal. For the first time in the history of the awards, the West Virginia Foundation for the Improvement of Education will join in recognizing the selected teachers by providing a $1,000 award to each of their schools.

The West Virginia Education Association is a partner in the program. It also has support from the West Virginia Department of Education and Speedway stores throughout the state.

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer. Approximately 2,000 people are employed at Arch's operations in West Virginia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.