Charleston, W.Va. (November 14, 2002) - Nominations for the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards close Dec. 1, 2002, according to John R. Snider, vice president of Arch Coal, Inc.

"This is an earlier closing date than previous years," said Snider. "There are many excellent teachers who still deserve a nomination this year. Your nomination is a wonderful way to let a teacher know that he or she has made a difference in your life or in your child's.

"Arch Coal will honor 10 West Virginia teachers with its achievement award and an unrestricted $2,500 cash award," Snider said. "Also, for the first time in the history of the awards, the West Virginia Foundation for the Improvement of Education will join in recognizing these special teachers by providing a $1,000 award to each of their schools."

Nomination forms are available in Speedway locations and in schools. Teachers also may be nominated online at www.archcoal.com. It is anticipated the awards ceremony will be held in March 2003.

The Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards program is the longest running, privately sponsored teacher awards program in 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.