ST. LOUIS , Sept. 9, 2016- Arch Coal kicked off its signature Teacher Achievement Awards Program today in West Virginia and Wyoming . It is the longest-running, privately sponsored teacher recognition program in both states.

"Arch Coal relies on superior classroom teachers to engage and instruct their students so they will become leaders in the workforce, pillars of our communities and well-rounded citizens of our nation," said Deck Slone, senior vice president of Arch Coal, Inc."A solid education is essential for our youth – for their future, their families and their communities. The role of a classroom teacher who can develop the talents of their students continues to be paramount."

Ten outstanding teachers in each state will receive a $3,500 personal cash award as well as widespread recognition. Teacher nominations may be made online at archteacherawards.com or obtained at schools and libraries in each state, as well as Taco John's locations throughout Wyoming . Nominations will close Jan. 9, 2017 , and recipients will be named in the spring.

"The Arch Coal teacher recognition program is unique because the public nominates these exceptional teachers and an independent, blue-ribbon panel of past recipients in each state makes the selections," said Slone. "Nominated teachers complete a comprehensive application that highlights their personal teaching philosophy and style as well as their academic accomplishments."

The Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards is being supported again this year in program promotion in West Virginia by the West Virginia Department of Education , the West Virginia Education Association , and the West Virginia Library Commission . In Wyoming , the program is supported by the Office of the Governor , Wyoming Department of Education , the Wyoming Library Community , the Wyoming Education Association , and Taco John's.

U.S.-based Arch Coal, Inc. is a top coal producer for the global steel and power generation industries, reliably serving customers worldwide. Its network of large-scale, low-cost mining complexes and high-quality metallurgical and thermal reserves are located in the most strategic coal supply basins in the United States . The company employs approximately 2,900 hardworking men and women in West Virginia and Wyoming . For more information, visit archcoal.com.