Jill Biden hosts Georgia educator, nation's top teachers at their own White House state dinner
Thursday’s state dinner honored teachers of the year from across the 50 states and U.S. territories selected for their excellence in teaching and commitment to students’ learning.
According to the Council of Chief State School Officers’ website, the teacher of the year program provides a platform for “exceptional educators to elevate issues that affect teachers and their students, expand their leadership roles and inform policy and practice.”
As this year’s national teacher of the year, Testerman will spend a year traveling the country as an ambassador, urging other teachers to become strong advocates for their students and fellow educators.
Biden, who teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, announced the state dinner last month during a nationally televised appearance in which she surprised Testerman.
Biden said hosting the nation’s top teachers is “one of my favorite events at the White House.” A black-tie state dinner typically recognizes the head of state or government of a close U.S. ally, showcasing ties between the two nations.
Christy Todd, who was a finalist for the national honor, is the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year and a middle school music technology teacher at Rising Starr Middle School.
A state dinner for teachers is new, but the overall concept isn’t unique.
As first lady, Michelle Obama, whose signature initiative focused on improving children’s health and nutrition, hosted the first of several kids’ state dinners in 2012. President Barack Obama held a state dinner for African leaders whom he invited to a Washington summit in 2014.
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