September 17, 2001 - Arch Coal, Inc. announced today it will sponsor a second year of its Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards in Wyoming, according to Greg Schaefer, the company’s Director of External Affairs, Western Operations. The program provides 10 Wyoming teachers with $2,500 cash awards.

“Our teacher recognition program met with huge success in its inaugural year,” said Arch Coal president and chief executive officer Steven F. Leer. “It is apparent that Wyoming has many excellent classroom teachers who deserve special recognition. We believe that superior classroom teachers have a significant, positive effect on learning.

“We will continue to use our same theme for the program, ‘Teachers Change Lives.’ I believe most of us remember a very special teacher that made a difference in our life,” he said. “These are the special teachers we want to recognize.”

Leer also announced that the program again has the support of Governor Jim Geringer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Judy Catchpole and the Wyoming Education Association. In addition, Leer complimented Taco John’s and Mini Mart for their continued support of the program.

"This award demonstrates our appreciation for Wyoming's quality teachers, who, as current research shows, have the greatest influence on student learning above all factors," Geringer said. "Rewarding effective teachers is an important element in acknowledging their dedication and hard work and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. I encourage adults and kids to nominate a teacher who made a difference in their life."

"One of the best parts of my job is recognizing outstanding teachers who truly make a difference in the lives of Wyoming children," Catchpole said. "We are asking more and more of teachers. In an effort to ensure that all students meet high state standards, I commend Arch Coal for this great recognition program. It gives students and parents a chance to say 'thank you.'"

“The Wyoming Education Association is proud to again partner with Arch Coal in this program. The recognition of these teachers helps to illustrate the quality education that is occurring in every school throughout our state. It is uplifting to have members of our business community step forward and acknowledge the value of education,” said Gary McDowell, president of the Wyoming Education Association.

Nominations for the Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards are available in schools, at Taco John’s and Mini Mart locations, and on the Internet at the Arch Coal web site: www.archcoal.com. The nomination phase of the program concludes Jan. 21, 2002, according to Schaefer.

“Our program has two unique components,” Schaefer explained. “First, the program features public nomination. Anyone in the public may nominate an active, full time teacher in K-12 in Wyoming, including special education and vocational education. Secondly, the nominated teachers must complete an in-depth application form and these are reviewed by a blue ribbon panel of educators from around the state.”

Recipients of the 2002 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards will be announced in early May 2002.

Arch Coal is the nation’s second largest coal producer. Arch employs more than 500 people in Wyoming and produces more than 60 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 makes its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.