First Lady Jill Biden Officially Retires from Teaching After 40-Year Career

Walking away from a career you love is never easy—but for First Lady Jill Biden, the time has come. After four decades in the classroom, Dr. Biden has officially retired from teaching.

This past week, the First Lady announced that she had taught her final class at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has served as a professor for the past 15 years. The announcement was made during a virtual event with educators from across the country.

“Being your First Lady has been the honor of my life,” Biden said. “But being your colleague has been the work of my life. Last Thursday, I taught my last class of the semester—and my final class ever.”

Biden made history as the first and only First Lady to hold a paid job outside the White House while her husband served as President. She continued teaching full time even during her time in the East Wing, demonstrating her deep commitment to education.

Dr. Biden first began teaching high school English in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1976. Over the years, she held several teaching positions before joining Northern Virginia Community College in 2009, just as her husband, Joe Biden, became Vice President under President Barack Obama. Even after that administration ended, she remained at the college, commuting from Delaware by train to continue teaching English and writing.

Now, with the Bidens preparing to leave the White House in the coming weeks, Jill Biden is stepping away from both public service and the classroom.

Anne Kress, president of Northern Virginia Community College, praised Biden’s legacy in a statement, calling her an “exceptional faculty member” and a passionate advocate for community colleges.

“As she retires after an exemplary career, she leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of the students she taught, mentored, and inspired,” Kress said. “She has been a remarkable, unequaled champion for America’s community colleges, and we know her advocacy will continue.”