Top teachers of Georgia, US will be recognized at their own White House state dinner

“I’m a teacher, as you well know, and I’ve been teaching over 30 years, just like Missy has, and I always say teachers are our heroes and I wanted to be here today to celebrate Missy as I love celebrating teachers and I have a special announcement, Missy,” Biden said.

“When you come to the White House, we ae going to have a state dinner for the teachers,” Biden said on the set of “CBS Mornings.” “You’ll have to pick your dress. So it’s the first time ever.”

Testerman said that would be “absolutely amazing.”

“I’m incredibly touched,” she told Biden. “I know how devoted you are to teaching, continuing to teach, even when you’re the first lady of the United States, first one ever to do that, and I know that we share the joy that there is to be found in education.”

She said the other state teachers of the year will be “so incredibly excited to hear, to hear this news. Thank you for doing this for us.”

Biden, who teaches English and writing at a Northern Virginia Community College, said hosting the nation’s top teachers is “one of my favorite events at the White House.” She did not announce a date for the teachers’ dinner, but it’s likely to be held May 1, when the teachers come to Washington, a White House official said.

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.

President Joe Biden and the first lady are hosting two state dinners soon, for Japan on April 10 and Kenya on May 23.

As first lady, Michelle Obama, whose signature initiative focused on improving children’s health and nutrition, hosted several kids’ state dinners.

The Council of Chief State School Officers chooses the state teachers of the year and the national teacher of the year. Testerman and teachers from Alaska, Georgia and New Jersey were finalists for the 2024 national award.