Jill Biden says she plans to still teach if she becomes first lady

The community college professor hopes to continue working with international students and supporting them 'on their path to success'

Dr. Jill Biden, former second lady and possible first lady, has said that she plans to continue to teach if her husband is elected to The White House. 

A community college professor, Biden continued to teach when her husband, Joe Biden, was vice-president. She said she hopes to continue because she enjoys hearing the stories of her students many of whom are immigrants and refugees.

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“I love who they are as people,” she said, “and I love the fact that I can help them on their path to success.” 

“If we get to the White House, I’m gonna continue to teach. It’s important, and I want people to value teachers and know their contributions, and lift up the profession.”

Glamour Celebrates 2017 Women Of The Year Live Summit
(L-R) Cindi Leive, Dr. Jill Biden, and Joe Biden speak onstage during Glamour Celebrates 2017 Women Of The Year Live Summit at Brooklyn Museum on November 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Glamour)

Biden made the statement in an interview with CBS News. She said that her students and staff call her Dr. B and that she often speaks to teachers groups. 

When asked if she would be an “advisor to the president,” Biden replied, “It’s a marriage. You listen to one another, you talk things out with one another.” 

She said that they have discussed the women being considered to be Biden’s running mate. She said that the decision ultimately rests with her husband. She said that he is searching for someone he feels comfortable with, “who shares his values, and that’s what he’s always said he and Barack had.” 

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Dr. Biden also said that if she becomes first lady, she will advocate for free community college tuition, funding for cancer research, and support for military families which was her primary focus as the second lady. 

She also opened up about other issues including allegations that her husband was too familiar with staffers. She said, “I think it was a space issue. They felt that they wanted more space.” 

She said that “Joe realized that, and learned from it.” She said that he now “keeps his distance.” 

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