HUEYTOWN, Ala. – It took a group of second-graders to elicit from Jenna Bush (search) something the first family doesn't often discuss publicly — specifics on her future career.
Seated beside first lady Laura Bush (search) in a classroom Wednesday, the 22-year-old college graduate laughed when it was their turn to read aloud with students at Hueytown Elementary School. She got through the exercise and asked a question relevant for the moment.
"What grade is this?" said Jenna, who plans to teach this fall.
"Second grade," eight 7-year-olds said in unison.
"I'm going to teach fourth grade," Jenna said.
Later, she introduced her mother on a bigger stage — a private, $500-per-person luncheon that raised $500,000 for Republican candidates nationwide. For $5,000, donors could have their photo with Mrs. Bush.
After years of trying to avoid publicity, twins Jenna and Barbara Bush have been campaigning with their parents. Jenna Bush traveled with her father last week in Pennsylvania and Barbara accompanied him on a trip Tuesday.
The first lady and her daughter visited the Birmingham school to see one of the sites where the Alabama Reading Academy (search) is being held this summer. The program works with students and provides educators with instruction on how to teach reading more effectively.
Mrs. Bush offered some advice to Jenna, who plans to teach in a charter school beginning this fall.
"My main advice for Jenna and for all teachers in all schools is to remember to treat every child with respect," Mrs. Bush told reporters. "That's what our children deserve."
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