Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden left the White House on January 20, marking the end of the president’s 50-year career in politics.
At the same time, Jill Biden also closed the book on her teaching career at a Virginia community college as she announced her retirement.
Walking away from a lifelong passion isn’t easy, but for former First Lady Jill Biden, the time has come to close the book on her remarkable teaching career.
After 40 years in the classroom, including 15 years at Northern Virginia Community College, Biden has officially retired from teaching. She made the emotional announcement during a virtual event in December, where teachers from across the country tuned in.
”Being your First Lady has been the honor of my life,” she shared. “But being your colleague has been the work of my life.”
Began teaching in 1976
Her final class took place in December, marking the end of an era. Biden, who made history as the only First Lady to hold a full-time job outside the White House, never let her role in politics keep her from her students. Even as her husband led the nation, she remained dedicated to her calling.
Northern Virginia Community College President Anne Kress praised Biden’s impact, calling her “an exceptional faculty member” and a “remarkable champion” for community colleges. She leaves behind a powerful legacy, having mentored and inspired countless students.
Biden’s teaching journey began back in 1976, when she taught high school English in Wilmington, Delaware. Over the years, she held various teaching positions before joining Northern Virginia Community College in 2009 while her husband served as Vice President under Barack Obama. Even after his term ended, she continued to teach, commuting from Delaware to Virginia by train.
Made history as First Lady — here’s How
When Jill Biden moved into the White House in January 2021, she made history in several significant ways. While her continued work as a teacher grabbed much of the attention, there were other groundbreaking firsts. She became the first spouse since Barbara Bush to hold both the roles of Second Lady and First Lady, and the first since Pat Nixon to hold them non-consecutively.
At 69, she also became the oldest woman to take on the role of First Lady, and she proudly made history as the first Italian-American to hold the title.
In a break from tradition, outgoing First Lady Melania Trump did not extend an invitation to Jill Biden for the customary tea and tour of the White House during the presidential transition. Despite this, Melania Trump’s interior designer revealed that Jill Biden had a deep appreciation for the updates made to the White House during Donald Trump’s presidency and decided to make only minor changes during her husband Joe Biden’s time in office.
One of Jill Biden’s major contributions was revamping the White House public tour to make it more accessible, interactive, and educational for visitors.
She’s also a passionate advocate for women’s rights, having hosted a Women’s History Month event in March 2023 where she called on men to step up and protect women’s rights. As First Lady, Jill Biden also took on a more political role than many of her predecessors. According to a presidential advisor, she has become one of the top fundraisers for the Democratic Party, and she fully supported her husband’s decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan.
What’s next for Jill Biden?
Jill Biden, 73, who has devoted much of her life to education, has remained tight-lipped about what comes next for her after leaving the White House.
It wasn’t easy for Jill Biden to move out and leave the White House after such a significant period. It’s undoubtedly an emotional adjustment, both for her and for the Biden family.
”I’ve had such a great four years and Joe and I, really it has been the honor of our lives, so it will be tough to step away from it but we’re starting a new chapter of our lives, a new journey,” she told Good Morning America.
Although Jill Biden has left Northern Virginia Community College, she has not clarified whether she plans to teach elsewhere in the future.
One thing is certain though — the Bidens will return to their homes in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where they cherish time with family.
Jill Biden Super Bowl
Former First Lady Jill Biden, a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, is set to attend Sunday’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, where the Eagles will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a source told USA TODAY.
She plans to attend alongside her grandson Hunter, though former President Joe Biden will not be joining them, according to the source.
What’s your favorite thing about Dr. Biden? Drop a comment and share this with your friends—let’s get the conversation started!
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