State Teacher of the Year Visiting White House for Dinner with First Lady Jill Biden
(May 1, 2024) New York State Teacher of the Year Zach Arenz will be a guest of First Lady Jill Biden at the White House for a state dinner on Thursday, May 2, honoring educators from across the country.
Mr. Arenz, a music teacher at The Flower City School No. 54, is visiting Washington as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to champion public education.
Biden, a longtime teacher, will host the state dinner, typically reserved for heads of state and leaders of foreign countries. Prior to the dinner, Mr. Arenz will tour Capitol Hill and meet with staff from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s and Congressman Joe Morelle’s offices. Additionally, he will visit the offices of Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, advocating for increased federal funding to support the mental and physical well-being of teachers and students.
Mr. Arenz was named the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year in September 2023. He started his career in the RCSD in 2013. Before joining the District, Mr. Arenz taught music classes to students in the country of Sweden, where he prepared them for high school and career opportunities by creating academic and social goals.
Mr. Arenz is representing all New York State teachers at events throughout the state and at national events, such as the visit to the White House. “We have wonderful, amazing people here in Rochester, and I want others around the country to know about it,” said Arenz.