Teaching Profession Video

‘Welcome to the White House': Teachers Get a Rare Honor

By Kaylee Domzalski & Madeline Will — May 3, 2024 1:51
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Education Week
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First lady Jill Biden welcomed the national and state teachers of the year to the White House on Thursday for the first state dinner of its kind.

While traditional state dinners honor visiting heads of state, this one recognized the award-winning teachers—including Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and an English-as-a-second-language teacher in Tennessee—for the work they do every day in the classroom. Teachers dressed in ball gowns and tuxes mingled with national leaders, including administration officials and members of Congress.

Take a peek inside the glamorous night, which featured a surprise appearance by President Joe Biden.

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Jill Biden applauds teachers during the first-ever Teachers of the Year state dinner at the White House.
Jill Biden applauds teachers during the first-ever Teachers of the Year state dinner at the White House on May 2, 2024.
Kaylee Domzalski/Education Week
Teaching Profession Inside the First-Ever White House State Dinner for Teachers
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Kaylee Domzalski
Video Producer,  Education Week
Kaylee Domzalski is a video producer for Education Week.
Madeline Will
Assistant Managing Editor,  Education Week
Madeline Will is an assistant managing editor for Education Week, leading coverage of early childhood education and school leadership.
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