Jill Biden, the first lady, recently hosted a White House dinner to honor the national and state teachers of the year for their dedication to their students and excellence in teaching. President Joe Biden also made a surprise appearance at the event, expressing his gratitude for the teachers and acknowledging their role in lifting up national ambitions. The teachers were traditionally honored at a White House ceremony after being selected by an organization representing school educators, but this year, Jill Biden decided to host a state dinner in their honor.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona highlighted that White House state dinners are typically reserved for dignitaries like kings and presidents, but in hosting a state dinner for teachers, the administration is showing a level of national respect that is long overdue. He emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping the American dream, despite the challenges faced by the public school system such as teacher shortages, underfunded schools, and political controversies over curriculum and teaching methods. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in April revealed that many K-12 teachers find their jobs stressful and wouldn’t recommend the profession to young people.
The 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman, shared her vision of creating a dream school where every child can thrive and teachers can see the potential in every student. She acknowledged the struggles that students face but emphasized the dedication of teachers in supporting and advocating for them to create a better future. The teachers at the state dinner were greeted with personalized thank-you notes from their students, colleagues, and school leaders, expressing gratitude for their hard work and commitment to education.
The White House state dinner for teachers was a scaled-down version of the traditional diplomatic event, with features like a bookshelf display representing education, and vases of irises as a tribute to the National Teacher of the Year. Each teacher received recognition from their school community and enjoyed a menu of apple, walnut, and celery root salad, lobster ravioli, and a trio of desserts. The guest list included Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, Cabinet members like Miguel Cardona and Pete Buttigieg, members of Congress, and leaders of teachers’ unions. This year’s State Teachers of the Year represent 49 states, as well as territories and the Department of Defense, with Florida being the only state that did not participate in the event.
The Council of Chief State School Officers oversees the National Teacher of the Year Program, which recognizes outstanding educators for their contributions to teaching and their students. The state dinner at the White House served as a unique and special way to honor teachers and show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to education. Amidst the challenges faced by the education system, events like this highlight the importance of teachers in shaping the future of our society and providing opportunities for students to succeed. The recognition of teachers at the highest levels of government sends a powerful message about the value of education and the vital role that teachers play in shaping the lives of students.