State POY Series - Spencer Long (Tennessee) - Making High School Relevant - Career Academies

Spencer Long is the 2025 Tennessee Secondary Principal of the Year. Spencer Long is the executive principal of Halls High School in Halls Crossroads, TN Knox County. A proud alumnus of Halls, he began his career at Halls as a science teacher and assistant football and baseball coach. He moved into administration with roles as an athletic director and assistant principal. Under his leadership, Halls 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, he was named the Halls Business and Professional Association’s Man of the Year in 2023. He currently serves as vice president of the Knox County Schools Association of Secondary School Principals. His 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. Feel free to contact for more information: X- @HHS_MrLong, @HallsHighTN Instagram - @spen_long, @hallshightn Email - [email protected]