Farewell, Dr. Jill
Jill Biden Concludes 40-Year Teaching Career
After four decades in education, First Lady Jill Biden has officially ended her teaching career.
She recently announced that she taught her final class at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where she had worked full-time as an English and writing professor for 15 years.
A Dual Role in Public Service
During a virtual event honoring educators, Biden reflected on balancing her role as First Lady with her passion for teaching. She said, “Being your First Lady has been the honor of my life. But being your colleague has been the work of my life.” She added, “I will always love this profession, which is why I continued to teach full time while serving as your First Lady.”
Jill Biden made history as the first U.S. First Lady to maintain a full-time job outside the White House.
Praised by Colleagues and Leaders
NOVA President Anne Kress called her an “exceptional faculty member” who earned respect from both students and staff. Kress noted that Biden leaves behind a lasting legacy at community colleges. She was also joined in the virtual tribute by Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers and Becky Pringle of the National Education Association.
A Longstanding Commitment to Education
Biden began teaching in 1976, starting with high school English and reading. She later taught at a psychiatric hospital and earned a doctorate in educational leadership. Before NOVA, she spent 15 years at Delaware Technical Community College. Whether she plans to return to teaching in some capacity is still unknown; aides have not commented.
