For the past few African-American History Month Celebrations, I have been asked to write a series focusing on the successes of native Colletonians from this genre. The focus this year is on educators. Education is such an important aspect of society, as there would be no productive, functioning world without it. Activist and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela affirmed, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Many Colletonians have helped to make significant changes in the realm of education, some of which we are aware; some we are not. The importance is that as educators, we have a moral obligation to make a difference.
Ms. Brianne Buckner, a 2000 graduate of Walterboro High School, is blazing trails as a well-qualified, well-loved, innovative educator at Colleton County High School. She is the daughter of Mr. Edward Buckner, Jr. and Ms. Rolets Taylor-Buckner. She is the loving and devoted mother of a daughter, Ms. Jonae’ Ford, who is a cosmetologist at Kinks and Curls Salon in Summerville, South Carolina. In her spare time, Ms. Buckner enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and trying new experiences.
In December 2004 Ms. Buckner received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. In April 2013 she earned her Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Strayer University-Global Region, Charleston, South Carolina. “The Possible Terrorist Threats and the Possible Effects on South Carolina Tourism” was the topic of her thesis. Obviously desiring to continue on this journey in education, in June 2024, she received her principal’s certification from American College of Education.
A high school Business Education teacher, Ms. Buckner is also the owner of We Got Bounce, LLC, with over 13 years of experience in both educational and entrepreneurial roles. She excels in student guidance and fostering classroom engagement. She is proficient in identifying new business opportunities and maintaining compliance with laws and regulations. Further, she is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of business concepts and growing a successful business.
Having been employed at Colleton County High School from February 2013 to the present, not only is she a Business Education teacher, she also serves as the Department Chair. One of Ms. Buckner’s major responsibilities is to design and implement a comprehensive high school business education curriculum that aligns with state standards, and prepares students for future careers in business and entrepreneurship. Another one of her responsibilities is to make sure that students are provided the opportunity to apply business concepts through real-world projects and internships. On the extracurricular side of her career in education, she is the Senior Trip Advisor and a member of the Senior Class Planning Committee.
As the owner of We Got Bounce, LLC, this highly skilled educator and entrepreneur must develop and implement innovative marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, including social media campaigns, targeting advertising, and marketing partnerships with local businesses. In order to continue to reap success in this business, Ms. Buckner must remain informed about industry trends and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth and competitive advantage.
Ms. Buckner is not only blazing trails in the classroom and as an entrepreneur, but she is also doing so in community, faith, and organizational leadership. She is a very active member of Saints Center Ministries, founded by her maternal grandfather, the late Bishop Lewis N. Taylor, in Walterboro. Her uncle, Bishop Phillip Taylor, who is also a Colleton County Councilman, serves as the current Pastor. In this congregation, she serves as a member of the church choir, contributing to worship through music and ministry; an active participant in the Finance Department, supporting fiscal stewardship and church operations; a volunteer with the Children’s Department, assisting with you engagement and development; and is the founder and facilitator of Girl Talk Tuesdays (meets every 3rd Tuesday). This organization, within her church, is a mentorship and empowerment program for young ladies ages 12-22; it focuses on self-esteem, leadership, faith, and life skills.
Where do this educator and entrepreneur find the time to do all that she does, but that’s what those who are committed to their professions do! I can say this from experience! Ms. Buckner is also involved in Greek Life and Service Leadership. Currently, she is the President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Phi Chapter, and has been an active member for 18 years. She is a former Vice President, Secretary, and State Assistant Secretary. She provides leadership in chapter governance, service initiatives, and chapter engagement. Her fraternal and community affiliation includes active membership for the past five years in Order of the Eastern Star, Glad Tidings Chapter #48. In this organization she participates in charitable outreach and community service initiatives.
I had the distinct opportunity to ask Ms. Buckner some questions, specific to her career as an educator. These are her responses:
What inspired you to choose a career in education, and who were some of the early influences that shaped your decision? “If I’m being honest, education was never part of my original plan. I entered the field to have a schedule that aligned with my daughter’s and to qualify for student loan forgiveness, with every intention of staying ten years and moving on. However, when I attempted to leave, God made it very clear that my assignment was not finished. Thirteen years later, I now understand that education wasn’t just a job—it was a calling I hadn’t yet recognized.”
What challenges have you faced as an African-American educator, and how have those experiences strengthened your commitment to teaching? “I can truly say that I have been blessed and have not personally faced major challenges simply because I am an African-American educator. However, I have encountered subtle remarks when advocating for students to experience opportunities beyond Colleton County and even beyond South Carolina. Those moments only strengthened my resolve to expose students to broader possibilities and help expand their worldview. I believe our students deserve to see what is possible, even when it challenges the comfort zone of others.”
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work as an educator, and why does it continue to motivate you? “One of the most impactful moments in my career came after taking students to a Charlotte Hornets Career in Sports Day and basketball game. When I asked students to write their favorite part of the trip, one African-American male student simply wrote, ‘all the tall buildings.’ I was surprised because I assumed he had traveled outside of South Carolina before. That moment made me realize part of my purpose is showing students that there is a world beyond Colleton, and that realization continues to fuel my passion for teaching.”
Congratulations to Ms. Brianne Buckner on this well-deserved recognition for African American History Month 2026! Continue making Colleton County proud with the trails that you are blazing in education and entrepreneurship. Thank you for your service and commitment in all that you do to make a difference in the lives of our children and others!
