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Jill Biden

Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden (born June 3, 1951) is an American educator who served as First Lady of the United States from 2021 to 2025 and Second Lady from 2009 to 2017.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden (born June 3, 1951) is an American educator who served as First Lady of the United States from 2021 to 2025 and Second Lady from 2009 to 2017. She is married to Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, and is known for her long teaching career and advocacy on education, military families, and women’s health.

Early life and education

Jill Biden was born Jill Tracy Jacobs in Hammonton, New Jersey, in 1951. She later earned advanced degrees, including a doctorate in education from the University of Delaware.

Teaching career

Biden worked for many years as an educator, teaching English and reading at the high school and college levels. She was a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College from 2009 to 2024.

Political spouse and public roles

As the wife of Joe Biden, she served as Second Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and First Lady from 2021 to 2025. She was noted for continuing paid work during much of her tenure as first lady.

Advocacy and writing

Biden has focused on education, military families, breast cancer awareness, and women’s health. She has also written memoirs and children’s books.

Key facts

  • Born in Hammonton, New Jersey, and raised in the Philadelphia area.
  • Worked for decades as a teacher, including at community college and high school levels.
  • Earned a doctorate in education from the University of Delaware.
  • Served as Second Lady while her husband was vice president and as First Lady while he was president.
  • Continued teaching while living in the White House, including at Northern Virginia Community College.
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Canadian context

Jill Biden’s public work on education, veterans, and health has been followed in Canada, particularly because U.S. first ladies often appear in North American public life and diplomacy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jill Biden?
She is an American educator and author who served as First Lady of the United States from 2021 to 2025 and Second Lady from 2009 to 2017.
When was Jill Biden born?
She was born on June 3, 1951.
What did Jill Biden teach?
She taught English and reading at high school and college levels, including at Northern Virginia Community College.
What is Jill Biden known for besides being First Lady?
She is known for her long teaching career and advocacy for education, military families, breast cancer awareness, and women’s health.
Has Jill Biden written books?
Yes. She has published memoirs and children’s books.

References

  1. The White House Archives — https://www.bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Official-Biography-for-First-Lady-Jill-Biden-1-1.pdf
    Supports: Birth details, roles as First Lady and Second Lady, educator background, and public initiatives.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jill_Biden
    Supports: Basic biography, teaching career, family details, books, and public initiatives.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-53833061
    Supports: Teaching career, education credentials, marriage, and role as Second Lady and First Lady.
  4. National First Ladies' Library — https://firstladies.org/home/first-ladies/jill-biden
    Supports: Tenure as First Lady, advocacy focus, and Joining Forces leadership.