My name is Jordan Simmons and I teach marketing at Buford Middle School. I am also the boys varsity tennis head coach. This is my 9th year teaching, and my 8th year coaching. I grew up in Buford, and graduated from Buford High School in 2009. While at BHS, I played varsity tennis for four years, and my love for tennis took me to The University of North Georgia. While there, I played tennis for another four years on scholarship, obtained a degree in Business Administration, and met my husband, Alex Simmons. Less than two years into my marketing job, I realized it wasn’t for me, so I got my teacher certification and have since obtained my Master’s degree from Valdosta State University in Curriculum and Instruction. Pouring into my players and students gives me so much joy each day because I feel like I am giving back to the community that poured so much into me. I enjoy working out, running, playing tennis, hanging out with my family, and attending Sugar Hill Church. I am incredibly thankful for everything God has blessed me with!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Alex and I have been married for 9 years. Alex is from Jefferson, and he played baseball at The University of North Georgia. We have two kids, Hayes, 5, and Harper, 3, who are our two greatest blessings..and keep us busy!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Before teaching, I worked in digital marketing for about 2 years straight out of college. I enjoyed it, but I always wanted to be a teacher growing up. When I found out I could teach marketing/business, I decided to pursue it and have never looked back. I love getting to build relationships with my students each day, and it is really special to be able to work at my alma mater. My daily prayer is to have a positive impact in the classroom, and on the tennis courts and leave things better than I found them.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rico’s, Bare Bones, Bravo
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Minus the four years I lived in Dahlonega for college, I have lived here my entire life…32 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dexter Wood
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Yellowstone National Park because I have always wanted to go there – it is so beautiful!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Suits, Grey’s Anatomy
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and work hard….It’s a great day to have a great day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Wimbledon
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, any country….Lauren Daigle
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The old city gym, Sherwood’s Drugstore
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Sara Blakely, Novak Djokovic…probably Bare Bones!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Homecoming week and Homecoming parade
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Teaching, coaching, and a little more busy taking my own kids to their sporting events
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The North Georgia mountains are pretty beautiful, as well as the Bahamas
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July and October, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Tom Riden on a Friday night, St. Simons Island, Denise Simpson’s strawberry cake
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband Alex is always encouraging me to pursue things, and always supports me no matter what. My kids also inspire me to be better in all things.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The ocean breeze and a freshly open can of tennis balls….is that weird?!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Rest, Safe, Love
