“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we do great things.”
~ Mother Teresa
This quote by Mother Teresa is a favorite quote of Buford Middle School’s 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jackie Corley. Mother Teresa’s quote strikes a particular cord with Mrs. Corley because she is a firm believer in a community that works together to raise and educate children.
Corley is a 24-year teaching veteran who has taught previously in Hall County, Gwinnett County, and at Sugar Hill Christian Academy. Fourteen years ago Mrs. Corley made the decision to join the Buford City School System when she was hired at BMS. Mrs. Corley was a parent volunteer at Buford Academy when her older two children attended there. She met Mrs. Adams who ultimately hired her on at BMS. Mrs. Corley currently teaches 7th grade Social Studies. 
When asked what sets teaching at Buford apart from her previous teaching jobs Mrs. Corley replies, “Since we have one school at each level, the students start as a Buford wolf and stay a Buford wolf, which instills a lot of school pride and unity.” Being able to watch her students grow up and run into them at various school and community events is a treat that she also says is unique to Buford.
Seeing the value in everyone, no matter how different, is a gift of Mrs. Corley’s. “Jackie takes the time and initiative to get to know her students and is passionate about reaching all students, not just those that she teachers. This passion led to her implementing a mentor program for a group of at-risk students which has made a great impact among those students,” exclaims Mrs. Melanie Reed, Principal of Buford Middle School.
Mrs. Corley has a wonderful family support system in her husband of 27 years, Scott, son Tanner and his wife Alix, daughter Layne, and twin daughters, Hannah and Sarah. With twin daughters being active in the BHS Marching Band, people are likely to run into Mrs. Corley proudly cheering on the home team.
