CHEYENNE, WYO. (May 3, 2006) – Ten classroom teachers from Wyoming today were named recipients of Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards before an assembly of students, friends and family members at Johnson Junior High School in Cheyenne.

Arch Coal Chairman and CEO Steven F. Leer, Arch Coal President and COO John W. Eaves, Gov. Dave Freudenthal, First Lady Nancy Freudenthal, Director of Administration for the Department of Education Mary Kay Hill, and Wyoming Education Association Executive Director Jean Hayek were on hand to honor the teachers.

"Arch Coal believes these 10 excellent classroom teachers prepare their students for the challenges of the future," said Leer. "Our teacher recognition program proves that Wyoming is not only blessed with significant amounts of natural resources, it is also a state blessed with excellent teachers.

"This year's recipients come from large city schools to small rural ones; from elementary schools to high schools; and teach a wide variety of subjects," said Leer. "They represent a cross section of the state's teachers, but have a common bond. That bond is an aura of excellence in the classroom."

"Everyone can remember a 'special teacher' that helped make learning more enjoyable and memorable," said Eaves. "Today, we honor not just one such teacher, but 10. Wyoming is indeed fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated teachers."

"I know I speak for parents all over Wyoming when I say that we are tremendously proud of the Arch Coal Teacher Award recipients," said Gov. Freudenthal. "We have some truly excellent teachers here in Wyoming who will help students learn the skills they need to lead the state in coming decades. These teachers mentor and inspire students every day, encouraging our youngest citizens to excel."

"Dave and I are products of Wyoming educations, as are our children, so we know firsthand the incredible inspiration a good teacher can be. We're pleased to join the celebration of some truly great teachers and their wonderful work," said First Lady Freudenthal.

"I am very proud of the Arch Coal Teacher Award recipients. They represent what's best about Wyoming educators," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jim McBride. "They embody the hard work and dedication that Wyoming teachers commit to our students to ensure they are ready to succeed in life." (Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. McBride was unable to attend the ceremony. He was represented by Mary Kay Hill, director of administration, who spoke for him.)

"The members of the Wyoming Education Association wish to congratulate all of this year's Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award winners!" said Hayek. "These exemplary teachers are shining representatives of the many dedicated, hard-working educators in our schools. We applaud them for their efforts to provide a great public education to Wyoming students. A thank you, too, to Arch Coal, for this quality awards program that recognizes the fine work done by these public servants."

"When our judges – the teachers' peers – examine the many applications, it is apparent they have a very difficult task to select just 10 recipients of the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award," said Greg Schaefer, vice president of Arch Coal's western external affairs. "Our program asks the public to tell us who are the best classroom teachers in the state. We then have previous recipients of our award be the judges."

In addition to recognition, award recipients receive a $2,500 unrestricted cash prize, a distinctive trophy and a classroom plaque.

Arch Coal is supported by the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Education Association, Taco John's, Loaf 'n Jug, and the Wyoming Library community in program promotion. This is the sixth year Arch Coal has made the awards in Wyoming.

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer and employs approximately 900 people in Wyoming. Arch produces more than 90 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal annually at its Wyoming operations. The company's Black Thunder operation in Campbell County is one of the nation's largest and most efficient coal mines. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.

Information about each of the recipients is posted on the Arch Coal Web site: www.archteacherawards.com.