About Us

Spencer Long

Spencer Long is the Executive Principal of Halls High School in Knox County, a role he has held since 2019. A proud alumnus of Halls High, Mr. Long began his career with Knox County Schools in 2011 as a science teacher and assistant coach for football and baseball at his alma mater. He also previously taught at Jefferson County High School.

In 2017, Mr. Long was appointed Athletic Director at Karns High School and was selected that same year to join the Knox County Schools & University of Tennessee Leadership Academy. During the program, he served as an Assistant Principal at Karns High School and, upon completion, was placed at Bearden High School as an Assistant Principal.

Under Mr. Long’s leadership, Halls High School successfully completed its first year of reorganization as an 865 Academies High School, part of an innovative initiative to better prepare students for college and career pathways. In recognition of his leadership and service to the community, Mr. Long was named the Halls Business and Professional Association’s Man of the Year in 2023. He currently serves as President of the Knox County Schools Association of Secondary School Principals.

In 2025, Mr. Long was honored as the Tennessee Association of Secondary School Principals (TNASSP) East Tennessee Principal of the Year, reflecting his outstanding leadership and dedication to educational excellence in the region.

Mr. Long’s leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership. He maintains an open-door policy and prioritizes active listening, visibility, and frequent communication with students, staff, families, and the broader community. He believes a principal should be consistently present in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, and at extracurricular events to foster strong relationships and a supportive school culture.

Mr. Long holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee.

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Justin Bailey

Freshman Academy Principal

Mr. Justin Bailey is an experienced educator and dedicated school administrator with a strong background in science education and leadership. He is a proud graduate of Emory & Henry College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in biology. Driven by a passion for teaching and student development, he went on to receive a Master's degree in Secondary Education from Xavier University.

Mr. Bailey began his educational career in 2005, teaching Life Science as well as serving student athletes through coaching football. In 2015, he attended LMU where he earned a degree of Educational Specialist in Administration and Supervision (Ed.S).  Shortly after, he transitioned into school leadership, serving as an administrator at Whittle Springs Middle School, where he worked to support students, staff, and the school community.

In 2017, Mr. Bailey joined Halls High School, where he currently serves as the Freshman Academy Principal. In this role, he is committed to fostering a supportive and structured environment that helps ninth-grade students successfully transition into high school life. Mr. Bailey’s leadership is marked by his dedication to academic excellence, student success, and cultivating a positive school culture.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Dr. Heather Bowen

Academy of Engineering, Manufacturing, and Transportation Principal

Heather Bowen is the Assistant Principal over the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Transportation Academy at Halls High School, where she helps students meet their post-secondary goals. She began her career in 2013 at South Doyle High School, teaching English IV and AP Literature. From 2019-2023, Dr. Bowen taught ELA at Maryville Junior High School and served as the Academic Dean. She began her administrative career in 2023 as the Assistant Administrator at Gibbs High School, where she worked with the freshman and senior classes, while overseeing testing and acting as the interim Academy Coach. She has also been an adjunct professor at South College, teaching both Leadership and Composition courses. 

Dr. Bowen is a graduate of Concord University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and Literature. She earned a Masters in Secondary Education from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Tucker Jackson

Academy of Entrepreneurship & Skilled Services Principal

Tucker Jackson is a dedicated educational leader with more than a decade of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Geography, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee. In 2016, he advanced his expertise by completing an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

Mr. Jackson began his career in 2010 at Karns High School, where he served as a Social Studies teacher, football coach, and track coach. His passion for fostering student growth and his ability to lead both in the classroom and on the field laid the foundation for his transition into school leadership. In 2017, he became an administrator at Northwest Middle School before returning to Karns High School the following year as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.

In 2019, Mr. Jackson joined Halls High School as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, where he continues to impact students, staff, and the broader school community. He currently serves as Principal of the Entrepreneurship and Skilled Services Academy at Halls High School, where he works to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed for success in both college and career pathways.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Kristen Schoerner

Academy of Life Sciences Principal

Kristen Schoerner is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of experience in public education. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal for the Life Sciences Academy at Halls High School, where she is beginning her fourth year in this role. Mrs. Schoerner is deeply committed to student growth, academic excellence, and building positive school cultures that support both learners and educators.

Mrs. Schoerner began her career as a Social Studies teacher, teaching Geography, Government, Economics, and Leadership at Carter High School, Karns High School, and Central High School. Her passion for student engagement and instructional leadership led her into administration, where she has served in a variety of roles over the past 15 years. Her administrative experience spans multiple schools, including Central High, Gresham Middle, Cedar Bluff Middle, Northwest Middle, and now Halls High School.

Mrs. Schoerner is known for her supportive leadership style, strong relationships with staff and students, and her ability to bring out the best in those around her. She is excited to continue supporting the Halls High community and the Life Sciences Academy.

Outside of school, Mrs. Schoerner enjoys spending time with her husband Andy, her daughter Madelyn, and stepson Drew. Surrounded by a loving family and a close circle of friends, she values connection, community, and the joy of helping others succeed.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also earned an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Heidi Moles

Academy Coach

Ms. Moles brings a diverse professional background that spans the juvenile probate court system, school settings, and community mental health facilities in Michigan and Tennessee. She also served as a contract mental health counselor with a local community agency, providing support within Knox County Schools, and shared her expertise in higher education as an instructor of Ethics and Psychology courses at Tusculum University.

Ms. Moles began working as a school counselor in 2016. She started her school counseling career at Emerald Charter School, where she had the unique opportunity to design and implement a comprehensive counseling program while collaborating with business and community partners to expand early postsecondary opportunities for students. She later joined Halls High School, where she supported students as a Freshman counselor.

Currently, Ms. Moles serves as an Academy Coach, where she oversees the development, implementation, and facilitation of the 865 Academies. In this role, she works to provide authentic and robust postsecondary opportunities for high school students while actively engaging with business partners and community members, serving as a liaison for both the district and Halls High School in support of the academy structure.

Ms. Moles earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna University in Michigan and a Master of Education degree with dual certification in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Lincoln Memorial University.

Main: 865.922.7757

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Scott Cummings

Athletic Director

Coach Scott Cummings began his coaching career in 1994 as a volunteer assistant at Knoxville West High School while completing his master’s degree at the University of Tennessee. In 1996, he joined Tennessee High School in Bristol, TN, coaching quarterbacks and defensive backs. After just one season, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

In 1999, following his marriage to his wife Amy, Coach Cummings returned to Knoxville and resumed his coaching career at Knoxville West High School, working with defensive backs and running backs. In 2002, he was named head football coach at West, beginning a historic tenure.

Under Coach Cummings’ leadership, Knoxville West achieved unprecedented success:

• Became the school’s all-time leader in wins, playoff appearances, and playoff victories
• Reached the state semifinals in 2010 and 2011
• Advanced to the 2013 state championship game, narrowly falling 28-27 to Henry County
• Captured the school’s first-ever state championship in 2014 with a 23-6 win

He was named Coach of the Year five times, including twice as PrepXtra Coach of the Year, an award covering most of East Tennessee.

In 2015, Cummings accepted the head coaching job at Cleveland High School. During his four years there, he led the team to three playoff appearances and helped oversee major facility renovations.

Eager to return to Knoxville, he then became head coach at Halls High School. Before his arrival, Halls had one 8-win season in the previous decade. In his first two years, Coach Cummings led the team to back-to-back 8-win seasons and three consecutive playoff appearances. He was named District Coach of the Year in 2020.

In 2022, Coach Cummings took over the program at Oak Ridge High School. In his only season there, he led the team to the state quarterfinals. In 2024, he took the reins over at Lenoir City, leading them to a second-round playoff appearance.

In January of 2025, deciding to hang up the whistle, Coach Cummings became the Athletic Director at Halls HS and looks forward to the future in his new role with the Red Devils.

Main: 865.922.7757

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