Farewell, Dr. Jill
**First Lady Jill Biden Concludes Historic Teaching Career**
After 40 years shaping young minds, First Lady Jill Biden has taught her final class at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). The educator made the emotional announcement during a virtual event celebrating teachers, marking the end of her 15-year tenure at the institution where she taught English and writing.
Joined by education leaders Randi Weingarten and Becky Pringle, Dr. Biden reflected on her dual roles: “Serving as your First Lady has been my greatest honor, but teaching alongside you has been my life’s work.” Her words underscored the profound connection she maintained with the classroom despite White House responsibilities.
Remarkably, Dr. Biden continued teaching full-time throughout her tenure as First Lady – a historic first for presidential spouses. “This profession will always hold my heart,” she told attendees, explaining why she refused to abandon her teaching post even after entering the White House.
NOVA President Anne Kress hailed Biden as an “extraordinary educator” whose impact transcended her classroom. She noted how the First Lady’s dedication highlighted the vital role of community colleges in American education.
Dr. Biden’s teaching journey began in 1976, spanning psychiatric hospitals, high schools, and community colleges. After earning her doctorate, she spent 15 years at Delaware Technical Community College before joining NOVA in 2009.
While she steps away from NOVA, questions remain about whether this marks a complete retirement from education. The White House offered no immediate clarification about her future plans in the field.
As the first working First Lady, Dr. Biden redefined the role’s possibilities. Her departure from NOVA closes a groundbreaking chapter, but her legacy as an educator who refused to sacrifice her profession for public service will endure.
