Jill Biden says the nation’s top teachers will be recognized at their own White House state dinner

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden has new guidance for the nation’s top teachers.

When they visit the White House later this year, they will be the guests of honor at a state dinner, the first time that the diplomatic nicety typically used to woo foreign heads of state or government will honor educators, according to the first lady, a teacher herself.

Biden made the announcement Wednesday during a nationally televised appearance in which she surprised Missy Testerman of Tennessee, the newly named National Teacher of the Year.

“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 are 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.”

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