Speaking during a virtual event with teachers nationwide, First Lady Jill Biden reflected on her decades in education, calling it an honor to serve in the classroom and thanking her colleagues for their dedication.
After 40 years of teaching, she said she is stepping away from the profession following her final class at Northern Virginia Community College, describing the decision as both emotional and deeply personal.
“Sometimes it’s hard to walk away from a career you love,” she said, noting the strong bonds formed with students and fellow educators over the years.
She added that teaching has remained central to her identity even while serving in the White House, and that she hopes to continue supporting education initiatives in a different capacity.
Colleagues across the education community responded with messages of appreciation, highlighting her long-standing advocacy for community colleges, educators’ pay, and access to higher education.
While she did not outline specific next steps, she emphasized that her commitment to education will continue beyond the classroom, focusing on programs that support teachers and students nationwide.
The event concluded with a brief tribute segment featuring educators from across the country sharing memories of her impact in classrooms and public service.
