Jill Biden Bids Farewell to Teaching After 40 Years, Concludes Role at NOVA

Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, has officially concluded her decades-long teaching career. On Monday, she announced that she had taught her final class at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in Alexandria last week. 

The announcement came during a virtual “thank you” event attended by teachers from across the country.

“Being your first lady has been the honor of my life. But being your colleague has been the work of my life,” Jill Biden said. “Last Thursday, I taught my last class of the semester and my final class ever at Northern Virginia Community College.”

The surprise statement marked the end of a remarkable 40-year career in education that saw her balancing the roles of first lady and educator.

Biden, 73, taught English and writing at NOVA for 15 years and became the first woman to continue her professional career outside the White House while serving as first lady.

Her dedication to teaching was widely admired, as she maintained a full-time teaching schedule throughout President Joe Biden's administration. She often emphasized her passion for education, famously saying, “Teaching isn’t what I do, it’s who I am.”

Joining her during the virtual announcement were Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, and Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association. Both education leaders praised Biden’s contribution to the teaching profession and highlighted her advocacy for educators nationwide.

It remains unclear whether Jill Biden is retiring from teaching completely. Neither her aides nor officials at Northern Virginia Community College offered any immediate comment on whether she would teach again in the future.

However, the announcement coincides with broader changes in her family's political life, as she and President Joe Biden prepare to leave the White House in just over five weeks.

The upcoming departure follows President Biden’s decision to drop his bid for re-election after a lackluster debate performance against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over the summer.

Vice President Kamala Harris then ran as the Democratic candidate but was ultimately defeated by Trump, who is set to be inaugurated for a second term on January 20.

Jill Biden’s teaching career is widely regarded as a trailblazing one. Before joining NOVA in 2009, she taught English and writing at Delaware Technical Community College. Her teaching journey began in 1976 as an English teacher at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware.

She later became a reading specialist at another high school and even taught English at a psychiatric hospital while working toward her second master’s degree. In addition to her two master’s degrees, Jill Biden holds a doctorate in educational leadership, further cementing her reputation as a passionate advocate for education.

Throughout her time at NOVA, Jill Biden was known for her hands-on approach to teaching and her ability to connect with students. Her departure from the classroom has left many wondering if she will ever return to teaching in some capacity.

Her love for education has been a consistent part of her public identity, with many admiring how she balanced her role as first lady with her passion for education.

As she steps away from her teaching role, Jill Biden leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for teachers and students.

Her story serves as a testament to the belief that public service and personal passion can coexist. While her future plans remain uncertain, her influence on the field of education will undoubtedly continue.