January 5, 2001 - The Arch Coal, Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards nomination phase ends Jan. 22, 2001, according to Arch Coal vice president Terry O'Connor.

"I hope there's a last minute rush of nominations," O'Connor said. "We are pleased with the number of nominations we've received so far, but we know there are many more outstanding teachers in West Virginia who deserve to be nominated."

One of the unique features of the Arch Coal awards for teachers is that the public makes nominations. A blue ribbon panel of teachers and others from the field of education selects the 10 award recipients. Each of the award winners receives a check for $2,500.

"The Arch Coal program is unlike any other in the state," said O'Connor. "Nominating a teacher who has made a difference in your life or that of your child is a very special way of saying 'thank you.' It isn't easy to win an Arch Coal award, because the nominated teacher must complete a rigorous written examination of his or her teaching philosophies and abilities. However, no teacher can compete unless he or she is nominated."

Nomination forms are available in schools throughout the state and in Speedway convenience stores. Nominations also may be made online on the Internet at the Arch Coal company web site: www.archcoal.com. This is the third year that Arch Coal has sponsored the awards program for West Virginia teachers.

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer, with subsidiary operations in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. Through these operations, Arch provides the fuel for approximately 6% of the electricity generated in the United States. Arch Coal employs more than 2,000 people at its mining operations in West Virginia.