She announced her retirement during a virtual educator appreciation event held in Washington, D.C., on December 16, 2024. During the event, Biden shared that she had completed her final English and writing course at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where she had taught since 2009.
Biden made history as the first spouse of a sitting U.S. president to continue working in a full-time profession while living in the White House. Throughout her years as Second Lady and later First Lady, she remained committed to teaching, balancing classroom responsibilities with a demanding public schedule. Before joining NOVA, she taught at public high schools and community colleges in Delaware and Virginia.
A longtime advocate for community colleges, Biden consistently highlighted their importance in expanding educational opportunities. She often described these institutions as essential for first-generation college students, military veterans, and working adults seeking affordable pathways to higher education and career advancement. Her advocacy helped bring greater national attention to the role community colleges play in strengthening local communities and supporting economic growth.
Biden has frequently said that teaching is the work that defines her life, emphasizing that her passion has always been rooted in the classroom. Even while serving in one of the nation’s most visible public roles, she remained dedicated to her students and the profession she loved.
Her retirement coincided with President Joe Biden’s departure from office in January 2025, marking a significant transition for the couple. Although she has stepped away from full-time classroom instruction, her influence on education is expected to continue through advocacy and public engagement. Dr. Biden leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and a lasting commitment to expanding educational opportunity for students across America.
