She may have become the First Lady of the United States, a role steeped in pride and dignity and one that ensures her name will go down in history, but Jill Biden will continue working as a teacher all the same.
Speculation over how the 69-year-old will juggle her official duties with an everyday 9-to-5 job has been rampant, but she said her work is so “important” that she can’t give it up.
Speaking on CBS Sunday Morning, Dr. Jill explained prior to husband Joe Biden’s victory that she had already made up her mind.
“If we get to the White House, I’m going to continue to teach,” she said.
“It’s important, and I want people to value teachers and know their contributions and lift up their profession.”
The fact that she will continue as an educator, whilst simultaneously supporting the President of the United States in the most intimate of capacities, is a breakaway from tradition: Jill is in fact the first First Lady in U.S. history to keep a ‘normal’ job.
The 69-year-old has four degrees, including her doctorate, and currently plies her trade at Northern Virginia Community College.
In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jill said:
“I’m really looking forward to being first lady and doing the things that [I did] as second lady, carrying on with military families and education and free community college, cancer [the Biden Cancer Initiative], that Joe and I have both worked on.
“And I’m going to teach as well.”
She also took the opportunity to champion teaching just one day after Joe Biden’s inauguration. In a virtual event, Jill said:
“I have never felt prouder of our profession. In this pandemic, educators have shown a heroic commitment to their students.
“So, on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you.
“You have been so strong. And now it’s time for us to be strong for you.”
The new First Lady also made headlines last week after personally delivering batches of cookies to the National Guard troops who had ensured her family’s safety during the inauguration.
Fans were quick to celebrate the gesture, hailing Jill as a breath of fresh air.
What do you think about Jill Biden and her decision to work as a teacher whilst also serving as First Lady?
Personally, I think it’s impressive, and plenty inspiring! Let us know what you think in the comments box.
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