First Lady Pool Reports of May 2, 2024

FLOTUS Pool Report No. 1 - Teachers of the Year State Dinner

Dr. Biden walked out of the Blue Room doors and into the Cross Hall to mark her official arrival to the Teachers of the Year State Dinner at 7:03 p.m. She's with Secretary Cardona and Missy Testerman. The trio walked into the East Room together.

FLOTUS is wearing a floor length sequined black dress with silver and pink flowers sewn on it.

Cardona noted that state dinners have "been reserved for kings and queens and presidents and prime ministers." Said tonight's event shows teachers deserve "A level of national respect that is long overdue."

"Isn't he the best Second Gentleman ever?" Dr. Biden said recognizing Doug Emhoff, who's seated at a table as she kicked off her remarks.

"So welcome to the White House!" Dr. Biden said. "For the first ever Teachers of the Year State Dinner."

Dr. Biden gave several shout-outs to the teachers unions, having Becky Pringle and Randi Weingarten - who are guests - stand.

"We celebrate you because teaching isn't just a job, it's a calling and all of you are called to this profession for a reason. You believe that a better world is possible. And you make that world real. And none of that could happen without the support of our unions."

She talked about how she knew Joe would be "the best education president."

"Tonight as I look out at the glow of all these candles. You all shine so brightly. This room represents the potential," she said.

Dr. Biden told teachers "let's raise a glass to you" and did a "cheers" with a glass of white wine.

Dr. Biden then turned her attention to Testerman, the national teacher of the year, who gave brief remarks.

Testerman talked about how teaching is the most important profession "because we create every profession."

Marine One could be heard landing as Testerman finished her speech, concluding it in a toast for Dr. Jill Biden.

Guests were already seated in the East Room prior to Dr. Biden's arrival. Your pooler spied Chasten Buttigieg, who came through arrivals with his husband Transportation Secretary Pete.

Earlier in the evening the honorees and guests walked through booksellers - the traditional state dinner arrival route. They posed for photos in front of a wooden step-and-repeat set up to resemble bookshelves. The backdrop was adorned with "Teachers of the Year State Dinner" in white cursive lettering. Irises were placed in vases made from pencils.

Pool is holding.

FLOTUS Pool Report No. 2 - additional dinner details

The POTUS pool took over to capture President Biden stopping by tonight's Teachers of the Year State Dinner but the East Wing asked me to pass this along:

That's it from me – have a great night!

Reportable Background from the Office of the First Lady | TEACHERS OF THE YEAR STATE DINNER | May 2, 2024
This evening, First Lady Jill Biden is hosting the first-ever "Teachers of the Year" State Dinner at the White House. This event will honor the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman from Tennessee, and the State Teachers of the Year from across the country for their excellence in teaching and commitment to students' learning. Ahead of tonight's dinner and Teacher Appreciation Week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new efforts to strengthen the teaching profession and support schools across the country.

Remarks Program:

• U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
• First Lady Jill Biden
• Missy Testerman

Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the U.S. Department of Education, American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association are supporting this event. CCSSO oversees the National Teacher of the Year Program, which identifies exceptional teachers across the country, recognizes their effective work in the classroom, engages them in a year of professional learning and amplifies their voices. A list of the 2024 State Teachers of the Year can be found HERE.

Background - First Lady Jill Biden
As a classroom teacher for over 30 years, Dr. Biden continues to teach English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has been a professor since 2009. From championing teacher recruitment and retention, opportunities for career-connected learning, and more affordable options for education after high school, including free community college, Dr. Biden continues to shine a spotlight on educators and the teaching profession. This is the fourth year Dr. Biden has welcomed the National and State Teachers of the Year for a celebration at the White House.

"Teachers of the Year" State Dinner

Décor
First Lady Jill Biden and Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo worked with White House Chief Floral Designer Hedieh Ghaffarian to create a guest experience that honors the 2024 Teachers of the Year and celebrates our nation's educators. Notable elements of the décor include:

• Dr. Biden's Brass Bell: Each of the 2024 State Teachers of the Year will receive a brass bell from Dr. Biden, continuing a tradition she started in 2021 in honor of her grandmother, a fellow educator and the person who inspired her to become a teacher.
• Tennessee State Flower: Irises, the official state flower of Tennessee, Mrs. Testerman's home state, will be incorporated in the floral arrangements at the head table and on the bookcase featured in the East Garden Room, where guests enter.
• Golden Apple: A personalized gold painted apple will serve as the place card holder at the place settings for the 2024 Teachers of the Year.
• Hometown Thank You Cards: Organized by each teacher's school principal, when each of the 2024 Teachers of the Year arrive to their seat, they will be surprised with a handmade, personalized thank you note from their students, fellow teachers, and school leadership.
• Classroom Décor: Familiar classroom items, such as pencils, books, rulers, and apples will be featured throughout the décor.
• East Portico Arrival: The official flags of the states and territories of the 2024 State Teachers of the Year will line the East Portico entrance, greeting honorees and guests upon arrival to the White House.

Menu
First Lady Jill Biden worked with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison to develop the menu for the State Dinner.

First Course
Lady Apple, Walnut, and Celery Root Salad
Fennel Carpaccio
Lemon Lavender Emulsion

Main Course
Lobster Ravioli
Shaved Artichoke Crisps
Parsley Sauce

Dessert Trio
Strawberries and cream
Honey-poached apple mousse
Coconut custard cake with nectarines

Wine
Stonestreet Chardonnay "Estate" 2019
Penner-Ash Pinot Noir "Willamette Valley" 2021
Jacqueline Leonne Brut

Entertainment
Guests will enjoy musical selections by The United States Army Chorus with the Army and Air Force Strings.