After four decades in the classroom, First Lady Jill Biden has closed a remarkable chapter in her life.
She announced last week that she is retiring from teaching — a decision that marks the end of a forty-year career that shaped not only her identity but also the lives of countless students. From high schools to community colleges, Biden’s dedication to education never wavered, even as she entered public life. As the first First Lady in U.S. history to continue working full-time while in the White House, she embodied the idea that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling.
Her final class at Northern Virginia Community College was both an ending and a reflection of everything she stood for. During a virtual event with teachers across the nation, Biden spoke movingly about the moment she first stood in front of a classroom as a young woman — realizing instantly that she had found her purpose. She thanked educators for their resilience through years of change, praising them for adapting to new technologies, weathering pandemic challenges, and supporting students amid growing pressures.
Teaching, she said, grounded her through every stage of her public journey. It gave her stability during her years as Second Lady and again as First Lady, offering a sense of normalcy amid the demands of national life. Her colleagues often described her as deeply engaged and humble — grading papers on Air Force Two, connecting with students beyond titles or headlines. Through it all, she reminded the nation that educators deserve respect, support, and recognition for the essential work they do.