MILWAUKEE — Education will likely be one of the biggest issues voters think about when they head to the polls this November, so it makes sense why first lady Jill Biden would make a trip to the Badger State in the final weeks of campaign season. 

Having spent more than 30 years in the classroom herself, Biden put education in the spotlight during a Wednesday evening trip to Milwaukee. Her first stop was at the Washington Park Senior Center for remarks at the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association Representative Assembly.

“We need leaders who will stand up for you and your students, and that's why we all need to get involved, because you know what is at stake, and because this union knows how to get things done,” Biden told the crowd of union members.

First lady Jill Biden praises the "Homework Diner" program during a visit to Westside Academy in Milwaukee, Wis. (Pool)

The first lady, who is a long-time member of the National Education Association, also said the profession needs to focus on what she calls the three R's of teaching: recruit, respect and retain.

“If we hope to invest more in our schools and your salaries, if we want to rebuild the middle class, if we want to protect women's rights, and social security, we need leaders,” Biden said.

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who is currently running for U.S. Senate against Republican incumbent Ron Johnson, was at the event, along with his mother, LaJuan Barnes, who is a retired MTEA member.

First lady Jill Biden talks with participants at Westside Academy's first "Homework Diner" event since the pandemic. (Pool)

The first lady, joined by Gov. Tony Evers, who will face Republican Tim Michels in next month's general election, also visited Westside Academy. Wednesday night marked the school's first "Homework Diner" event since the pandemic. Students and their parents joined teachers for dinner and academic activities.

“I love the idea of creating a sense of community, a sense of family where teachers get to know parents, and it's just a great feeling,” Biden said. “I love that teachers give up their time and say, 'Yes, we want to be a part of this.'”

Biden also pledged continued support from her husband's administration, building from her previous visit to a Milwaukee school at the start of the 2021 academic year when she spoke about the safe return to in-person learning during a visit to Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School.