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

In this photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Education, 2nd grade teacher Missy Testerman, center, who teaches English as a second language, works with students Dafne Lozano, left, and Dwiti Patel, right, at the Rogersville City School, Thursday, March 13, 2024, in Rogersville, Tenn. Testerman has been named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. (Tennessee Department of Education via 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.

First Lady 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.