Wright, Wyo. (October 14, 2004) - "There's no 'trick' in becoming a great classroom teacher," says Greg Schaefer, Arch Coal vice president for external affairs. "It takes lots of education, professionalism and a desire to help our children learn.

"I think it would be great this Halloween if our children would give their teachers a special treat -- a nomination for an Arch Coal teacher Achievement Award," says Schaefer.

A blue-ribbon panel composed of other teachers selects the recipients and each receives a $2,500 cash award. "A cash prize. Now that's what I call a real treat," Schaefer says.

Nomination forms are available across the state in Taco John's and MiniMart locations, in schools and on the Internet at www.archteacherawards.com.

Now in is fifth year in Wyoming, the Arch Coal teacher recognition program already has recognized 50 Wyoming teachers with its award. Ten more will be selected this school year.

Arch Coal is the nation's second largest coal producer and employs approximately 850 people in Wyoming. In 2003, Arch Coal's Wyoming operations produced nearly 90 million tons of clean-burning, low-sulfur coal. The company's Black Thunder operation in Campbell County is one of the largest and most efficient coal mines in the world. Arch Coal is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACI) and maintains its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.