Tennessee educator honored as National Teacher of the Year at White House

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - As National Teacher of the year, Rogersville City School teacher Missy Testerman received a tour of the White House, and a chance to meet fellow teacher, Dr. Jill Biden.

“You all are the reason why we have hope about the future.” President Joe Biden said to a room full of state teacher of the year winners.

“This has been just the most amazing experience,” said Testerman, representing both Tennessee and the U.S. “Not just for me, but also for our state teachers of the year to be honored in this way.”

“You know that education can change lives,” said First Lady Jill Biden in a speech to the state winners.

Testerman was able to talk shop with the First Lady.

“At dinner we had great conversations about teacher things, including the fact that her grades were due yesterday, and she had to post grades before the dinner. And so it was nice to have teacher conversations with the First Fady.”

Testerman said her advice to aspiring teachers is simple.

“Find a mentor. Find someone that you trust. Someone that you respect. Someone you want to be with. Ask that person for advice, watch what they do, and learn from them.”

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