CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Sept. 9, 2003) -- Nomination forms for the prestigious Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards are now available, according to John R. Snider, Arch Coal vice president of external affairs, eastern region.

Nominations can be made online at Arch Coal's Web site (http://www.archcoal.com/community.asp?teacherawards.) and paper nominations are available at every public school in West Virginia and selected Speedway locations.

The Arch Coal teacher recognition program is unique because it features public nomination and peer selection. A blue-ribbon panel of experienced educators, including some who have previously won the Arch Coal award, select 10 recipients from in-depth submissions provided by the nominated teachers. Each recipient is provided a $2,500 unrestricted cash award.

The West Virginia Education Association (WVEA) will partner with the company in supporting the awards program. The WVEA will offer, through the West Virginia Foundation for the Improvement of Education, $1,000 grants to the schools of the winning teachers to aid at-risk students. In addition to the support of Speedway and the WVEA, Snider said the program also continues to have the support of the West Virginia Department of Education.

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer and a supplier of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal exclusively. Approximately 2,000 people are employed by 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.