The hallmarks of a state dinner were there: lavish floral displays festooning the White House, the first lady arriving in a floor-length sequined gown, and members of Congress and cabinet secretaries mingling with attendees. But the honored guest was not the president of France or the prime minister of Japan. It was Missy Testerman of Rogersville City School in rural Tennessee. Jill Biden, the first lady, kicked off a new format for delivering the National Teacher of the Year award on Thursday by hosting this year’s winner, Ms. Testerman, and dozens of other teachers from across the country at the White House with a ceremony emulating the pomp normally reserved for foreign dignitaries. “Tonight we celebrate you because teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling,” Dr. Biden said, adding, “To answer this call of service is in itself an act of hope.”

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Persons: Missy Testerman, Jill Biden, Testerman, Dr . Biden, isn’t, it’s, ” Dr, Biden, ” Organizations: Rogersville City School, White Locations: France, Japan, Tennessee