Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

Halls High Teacher Wins $25,000 Extreme Classroom Makeover

Halls High School science teacher Abby Rase has always been passionate about making science engaging and accessible for her students. 

Now, thanks to a $25,000 grant from ORAU’s Extreme Classroom Makeover, she will have the opportunity to enhance her classroom with cutting-edge technology and resources.

Rase, who creates a hands-on, collaborative learning environment, believes that failure is a part of growth. 

“My philosophy is just kind of making a space where it’s okay to fail because we all do,” she said. “Being okay with failure and understanding that we can learn from it, and we all can collaborate and come together to figure out a problem—that’s what’s important.”

The impact of her teaching is evident in the enthusiasm of her students. Aiden Smith, a member of the Student Government Association at Halls, shared how Rase has transformed his experience at school. 

“She makes it enjoyable,” he said. “She deserves all of it. She’s the best teacher I’ve ever been around by far.”

Senior Judah Rievley credits Rase with inspiring his decision to pursue microbiology. 

“Science can be just facts, facts, facts, but she made it fun—something that I’m going to remember in college,” he said. “Her class just pushed me into the science field because she made me feel like I could do this every day.”

The excitement surrounding the grant extends beyond Rase’s students. Halls High Executive Principal Spencer Long praised her energy and enthusiasm. 

“The energy in the science department has become infectious,” Long said. “Students love taking her classes, and we see more students requesting to take science courses next year. That’s what’s awesome.”

The ORAU Extreme Classroom Makeover grant is designed to help teachers create innovative learning experiences through technology. 

Craig Laymen, ORAU Senior Director for Workforce Development, emphasized the importance of supporting educators. 

“It starts with the teachers. We have to take care of the teachers because they’re the ones who create the STEM spark,” he said. “Someone in this room today is going to discover something that will benefit the nation and the world.”

Laymen also noted that Rase’s application stood out for its creativity. 

“You could just sense the innovation and compassion for her students,” he said. “The students wanted to be there. They were excited to learn. That’s what made her application shine.”

Although Rievley and other seniors won’t get to use the new equipment, they recognize the long-term benefits for future students. 

“This is going to mean a lot to the next class,” he said. “It’s going to last for years.”

As the school community celebrates Rase’s achievement, she remains focused on what matters most—her students’ growth. 

“It’s the moment things click,” she said. “That look on a kid’s face when they understand how cells work together to form tissues and organs—it’s all worth it.”

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Great Educators, Student Success

Growing Minds, Growing Crops: Schools Cultivate Learning Through Hydroponic Gardens

In a blend of education and agriculture, four Knox County Schools are harnessing the power of hydroponic farming. 

Thanks to a partnership with the KCS Coordinated School Health team, Gresham Middle, Farragut Intermediate, Halls Elementary, and Carter Elementary are using cutting-edge hydroponic systems to grow crops including cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, mini bell peppers, and basil. 

This hands-on learning experience allows students to engage with science, sustainability, and social responsibility in exciting ways.

Before diving into farming, students conducted in-depth research to understand hydroponic techniques and made predictions about plant growth. 

They also explored the important role of empathy, with one school planning to donate its produce to an organization that helps supply food to underserved communities in food deserts. 

This act of service is teaching students valuable lessons about giving back and making a positive impact on their communities.

For Gresham Middle’s Kimberly Mays, the impact of the hydro farm extends beyond the classroom. 

“Our hydroponic farm has been a game changer. Watching our kids take the instruction and teach each other the process has been amazing. Each student plays a vital role in the growth and care of our plants,” Mays said. “The hydro farm has strengthened their teamwork and curiosity about applying classroom ideas to real-world applications.”

In addition to their agricultural work, students integrate lessons from other subjects, like social studies, where they learn about the government’s role in regulating food safety and ensuring that what we eat is safe and healthy.

Some of the crops grown will also be donated to the schools’ cafeterias, further enriching the students’ understanding of how locally-grown food can impact their daily lives. 

Gresham Middle took it one step further by making pickles from their bumper crop of cucumbers, turning their harvest into a blend of science, creativity, and food preparation.

Through this project, Knox County Schools are not only teaching students about agriculture and sustainability, but also about empathy, community, and the importance of nourishing both mind and body.

Success for Every Student

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Great Educators

Powell High Aviation Instructor Shares Real-Life Lessons from Hurricane Relief Missions

When Powell High School Aviation Instructor and Tennessee Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Andy Salas flew through deteriorating weather conditions to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene, it became one of the most harrowing flights of his career. 

His mission was clear: resupply and rescue in areas of East Tennessee and North Carolina that were devastated by the storm. However, the experience also provided invaluable lessons that Salas brought back to his students in the classroom.

Salas recalled being activated on a Saturday after the hurricane hit, flying a Blackhawk helicopter into mountainous regions. His tasks included delivering water, fuel, and generators to remote areas with no communication or power. 

“We were one of the first Blackhawks there,” Salas said, explaining how he coordinated with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and local officials. But the most dangerous moments came when the mission was over, and he faced rapidly worsening weather conditions.

“I made a choice that I wish I hadn’t, flying lower instead of committing to instruments, and that’s what I demonstrated to the students,” he said. “Lessons learned, good or bad are invaluable to aviators.”

Salas didn’t just survive this experience—he turned it into a learning tool. 

Back in the classroom, he recreated the same weather conditions using flight simulators, challenging his students to make better decisions. As the weather deteriorated in the simulation, students had to use aeronautical decision-making to avoid disaster. 

“Most of them made the right choice,” Salas said. “They just pulled the nose up into the clouds and got away from the ground.”

By sharing his real-life experiences with his students, Salas emphasizes the importance of quick thinking and staying calm in high-pressure situations—skills that go beyond aviation and into everyday decision-making. 

His students not only learn how to fly; they learn how to navigate the unexpected, just as he did.

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators, Student Success

The Unbreakable Bond Between Fort Sanders Teachers Connie Mitchell and Mike Hale

For over 30 years, Connie Mitchell and Mike Hale have shared a classroom, a passion for teaching, and a remarkable partnership at Fort Sanders Educational Development Center. Their journey together has touched countless lives, creating a warm and nurturing environment for their students, many of whom face significant challenges.

Connie and Mike first crossed paths in the 1990s and quickly developed a bond that has defined their careers. As Connie explains, their complementary personalities are key to their successful partnership.

“He’s more introverted, and I’m extroverted,” Connie said. “That’s why this works.”

In the classroom, the duo has worked with students who are considered medically fragile and require specialized care. Many of their students face physical and developmental challenges, but that hasn’t stopped the team from celebrating every milestone. 

Throughout their career, they’ve helped students make remarkable strides, from learning to walk to becoming more independent in daily tasks. 

“We had a student who could only take a couple of steps. In about a year and a half, he was running down the halls. He made such progress,” Connie recalled, illustrating the profound impact on their students’ lives.

Their commitment to students and their families is unwavering and extends far beyond the school walls. They’ve accompanied students to the hospital and supported families through difficult times. 

“I’ve walked into a hospital room with a kid in a coma, and they’ve actually opened their eyes and tried to smile at me,” Connie shared. “I just bawl–I’m Niagara Falls in those moments.”

Jessica Schaefer Ruiz has been part of Fort Sanders for eight years – her children attended as students, and she currently serves as principal. She recalled the first time she witnessed the duo in action. During a holiday performance, she watched as Connie and Mike spun students in wheelchairs to “Jingle Bells,” making sure they were fully included in the festivities.

“They are so impactful,” Schaefer Ruiz said. “Even with the amount of heartache they’ve endured over the years, they are still as cheerful as they were eight years ago when I first saw them in action.”

Over the decades, Connie and Mike have built not only an effective classroom but also deep, lasting relationships with students, families, and coworkers. The team keeps an open, welcoming environment, complete with coffee, snacks, and PB&J sandwiches available for anyone who needs them.

Mike joked, “We should put in a revolving door.”

Their classroom is more than a place of learning–it’s a home and a family. Together, Connie and Mike have created a legacy of love and care, shaping the lives of students and families through kindness and dedication.

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Success for Every Student

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

From Venezuela to Vol Nation: Carlos Lopez’s Journey as an Educator and the Spanish Voice of Vamos Vols

Carlos Lopez (left) with VFL Fuad Reveiz on Sept. 23, 2023.

Carlos Lopez, a Spanish teacher at West Valley Middle School, is not just an educator—he’s a voice for the Hispanic community, a role model for his students, and the “Spanish Voice of Vamos Vols.”

His journey from Venezuela to the United States, and from a football coach to a Spanish broadcaster, is a testament to resilience, passion, and a commitment to his roots.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Lopez’s life took a dramatic turn when his mother fled to the United States following a radical change in the political landscape of her home country.

Two years later, Lopez and his older brother followed her to a new life in America.

“My mom always told us, ‘I’m taking you to a country where whatever dreams you have, you can make them a reality.’ That stuck with me,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s mother was determined to fully immerse her children in American culture and language, which led them to Seymour, Tennessee, where Lopez found himself as the only Hispanic student in the school.

As a student at Seymour High School, Lopez discovered his love for sports, particularly football, which would become a lifelong passion. 

“My head football coach saw potential in me as a kicker, transitioning me from soccer to American football,” Lopez said. “Those Friday nights ignited something in me.”

After high school, Lopez earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Carson-Newman University, initially intending to become a court interpreter. However, he soon realized the unique value he could bring as a native Spanish speaker in education.

This realization led him to pursue a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University while continuing to nurture his passion for football.

Lopez’s journey as an educator began in 2015 at Hardin Valley Academy, and he later taught at other schools in the area. It was during his time at Alcoa High School that Lopez stumbled upon a new passion.

“In 2022, I uploaded a 32-second clip of a touchdown call in Spanish,” Lopez said. “It went viral, and I thought, ‘We got something here.’”

Recognizing the growing Hispanic population in the area, Lopez created “Vamos Vols,” a platform dedicated to uniting the community through sports.

“We are an underserved community, and I wanted to unite us all. Vamos Vols became a way to bring our community together through the love of sports,” Lopez said.

It was because of this video–and some persistence–that Lopez was invited to make history alongside VFL Fuad Reveiz on September 23, 2023, with the first Tennessee Athletics Spanish-language broadcast.

And in August, the University of Tennessee announced the Lopez and Reveiz team would continue their radio broadcasts for every Tennessee football game.

The impact of Vamos Vols has been profound, not only within the Hispanic community but also in the lives of his students.

“My students Google ‘Vamos Vols’ and say, ‘Mr. Lopez, you’re famous.’ But it’s not about fame—it’s about representing our community and showing them that their dreams are valid,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s dedication to his community and students is unwavering.

“I want my students to feel that Mr. Lopez wants them to reach their goals. Education in Venezuela is not mandatory, but here it is, and I want them to want to be here,” he said.

His influence extends beyond the classroom, as he inspires students to engage with their heritage and take pride in their roots.

As Lopez continues to balance his roles as an educator and broadcaster, his mission remains clear: to be a voice for his community and to inspire the next generation. 

“God has called me to educate and reach as many people as I can, spreading love and unity. That’s the purpose of Vamos Vols,” Lopez said.

Follow Carlos Lopez and Vamos Vols on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and listen along to the Spanish broadcasts on AM 990, The Sports Animal 99.1 app, the Tennessee Athletics app, or at utsports.com.

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Great Educators, Student Success

Newcomer Academy to Transform Lives of ELL Students in Knox County

Knox County Schools is set to launch its Newcomer Academy in late fall 2024, offering a transformative opportunity for English Language Learners (ELL) with interrupted formal education. 

The academy located at Lincoln Park aims to provide intensive support to assist the students in meeting academic goals before returning to their base high schools.

The need for the Newcomer Academy became apparent as district principals raised concerns about students entering high school with few or no credits who had limited English proficiency and disrupted educational backgrounds. 

“We are seeing an increased enrollment of students who are identified as SIFE, or students with interrupted formal education,” said Director of Student Supports Alicia Jones. “When they come to us at that age, wanting to be in school, what do we need to do to support them? That’s really where the idea started.”

After years of planning, the Newcomer Academy will finally open its doors to provide these students with a pathway to academic success. 

“Since the inception of this idea, our population has doubled if not tripled. We are currently serving about 5,400 ELL students who speak 123 different languages,” Jones said. 

The program will offer a structured environment to build both their language and academic skills.

Principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy Dr. Sofia Roth will lead the Newcomer Academy and emphasized the importance of meeting the students where they are, both linguistically and academically. 

“As far as the programming, they’re going to learn the same thing that everyone else is learning at the same time, just at a different school,” Roth said. “Now we’re adding a second language.”

The curriculum will include essential courses like Algebra I, alongside a Freshman Seminar, which will help students transition smoothly back to their base schools and engage with the district’s 865 Academies initiative.

Roth also stressed the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection for the students.

“They will have the wraparound support from the staff. Everybody’s rooting for them and making sure they have specialized services,” Roth said. “It’s very important to give them a place to belong.”

The academy’s holistic approach aims to prepare students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, setting them up for long-term success. 

“I’ve always told the students education is the most important thing you can do for yourself. It is the only thing that no one can take away from you, whether you stay here in the United States or go back to your home country,” Roth said. “Having a high school diploma and learning English is going to completely change your life.”

With a committed team of educators and leaders, Knox County Schools’ Newcomer Academy is poised to become a beacon of hope for ELL students with interrupted education, providing them with the skills and support they need to thrive. 

As Alicia Jones said, “This is Success for Every Student in action. We are making sure we’re providing support for every student, every single day. I’m really excited to see their growth and transform some families’ lives by having their students obtain a diploma.”

Success for Every Student

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Success for Every Student. All students have unique abilities, needs, personalities, and ambitions. KCS is committed to equipping every student with the individualized services, interventions, resources, and supports needed to succeed – no matter their zip code, culture, or financial resources.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

Knox County Schools Achieves Near-Zero Teacher Vacancies Through Innovative Hiring Strategies

From left to right: Olivia Craig, Lindsay Duvall, Sarah Collins

Knox County Schools achieved a remarkable milestone this year by reducing its teacher vacancies to near-zero levels, with just a handful of full-time teaching positions open across the entire district at the start of the school year. 

This accomplishment is the result of strategic and innovative hiring practices implemented by the district’s Talent Acquisition team, led by Executive Director Alex Moseman.

A cultural shift in the hiring process meant an intentional focus on simplifying the process for potential candidates.

“The most meaningful changes were made by thinking about how we can remove barriers for interested teachers to apply, and then how we could be more responsive to candidates and principal’s needs,” Moseman said.

One of the innovative tools designed to streamline the application process is the Teach Knox interest form which directly connects respondents to the right people.

“Tell us where you’re at, and we’ll tell you the right next steps,” Moseman said. “We created systems that present good choices to candidates, and it puts people where they best fit and connects them with the people who can help them get where they want to be.”

This efficient and simplified approach aided in the hiring of three teachers at Belle Morris Elementary this year. 

Olivia Craig, a fourth grade teacher, said the new developments made it easier for her to get a job with KCS than any other hiring experience.

“It was really seamless and easy,” Craig said. “Someone reached out to me after I submitted my application and walked me through the whole process.”

She continued, “They did a good job of making sure they put great educators where they belong. It’s so nice to be with people who care about teaching.”

Further modern adaptations, like recorded interviews, also aided in expediting the hiring process by removing barriers to traditional interview practices.

“You can buy a home from your phone nowadays. You should be able to get a job at Knox County Schools from your phone,” Moseman said. “Life can get busy, so for the people that need some flexibility in their schedule to get a job with us, we’ve built systems to account for the fact that they don’t need to be in a specific place and time to interview with us.”

Another key component of this success was making the hiring process visible and accountable for principals.

The Talent Acquisition team shared a scoreboard every week with principals and gave shout-outs to schools who were 100% staffed to build momentum as the start of the school year drew near.

This transparency and recognition of progress motivated schools to strive for full staffing, creating a district-wide push toward the goal.

“We had to put ourselves in the mindset that we’re competing with everybody for great talent,” Moseman said. “We’re not just competing with other school districts, but also other organizations throughout the region. And with high competition, speed and efficiency is going to be the key component to being successful.”

The district’s success in reducing vacancies has even led to a new challenge—turning away candidates due to a full roster of teachers.

“There were teachers that we were not able to hire because we do not have a position for them,” Moseman said. “If you expressed an interest this year and you weren’t able to get a position in the district, we would encourage you to come back and apply again!”

For those who are still interested in joining KCS, the district will open early hiring for the 2025-26 school year in November.By building a culture of accountability and implementing innovative hiring tools, Knox County Schools has shown that with the right strategies, even ambitious goals–like reaching nearly zero teacher vacancies–are attainable.

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators

Region 5 Educator Summit: Empowering Our Teachers

As students and families begin preparing for the school year, so are educators across Knox County Schools! 

The inaugural Region 5 Educator Summit brought together every teacher, teaching assistant, counselor, instructional coach, and principal from across the region for a full day of teacher-led professional learning – a new highlight to the back-to-school ritual.

With over 120 sessions to choose from, topics ranged from instructional leadership and family-community engagement to the KCS Instructional Framework and school improvement instructional models. This diversity allowed attendees to tailor their experience to their personal professional development pathways.

“The Region 5 Educator Summit will be a game-changer for us,” said Region 5 Director Dr. Dexter Murphy. “The feedback from our educators and principals over the past year has been invaluable in shaping our professional development initiatives. The Educator Summit builds on this foundation, providing a platform for our teachers to lead and share their expertise.”

This groundbreaking event was designed by educators for educators based on input from the Regional Teacher Council. Educators had the opportunity to participate in four sessions of their choice, building a culture of collaboration and shared expertise. 

“It’s great receiving this PD from fellow educators,” said Christenberry Elementary teacher Katie Esco. “We are all in the same position, so it feels more connected and directly applicable to our classrooms.”

The Region 5 Educator Summit is a symbol of the district’s collective dedication to celebrating and developing its educators while setting the stage for continued growth and success.

“We are excited to see the impact of these choice sessions,” said Region 5 Supervisor Sallee Reynolds. “With such a wide range of topics, every educator can find sessions that resonate with their professional growth needs.”

The summit also included updates on the Region 5 Strategic Plan, an overview of the KCS and Region 5 Instructional Frameworks, and a spotlight on the “Year of the Principal.”

Knox County Schools is grateful to all who participated and contributed to the success of the Region 5 Educator Summit. Together, we are transforming futures the Region 5 way!

Great Educators in Every School

Great educators are core to the mission of KCS. By investing in meaningful professional development and growth opportunities, and pursuing innovative strategies to retain and recruit high-quality educators, KCS is positioning great educators in every classroom.

Kaleigh Walker Great Educators, Student Supports

Celebrating School Bus Drivers & Ruby Hensley

The wheels on the school buses that transport KCS students all across the county are carefully and attentively driven by dedicated school bus drivers, including long-time employee Ruby Hensley.

With over three decades of service under her belt, Ruby has become a beloved figure in the lives of countless students who have had the privilege of riding her bus since 1989.

“I love my job, and I love the kids,” Ruby remarks with a warm smile when asked about her journey as a bus driver. “I really do.”

Ruby’s love for her job shines through as she transports students of all ages, from the kindergarteners to the high schoolers. 

While she admits that the elementary kids hold a special place in her heart, Ruby cherishes each interaction with her passengers, no matter their age or grade.

Over the years, Ruby has witnessed the ebb and flow of challenges in her profession, including bus driver shortages. Despite the hurdles, Ruby and her fellow drivers rally together, ensuring that each child reaches their destination safely, even if it means putting in extra effort.

For Ruby, the true reward comes from the bonds she forms with her passengers, many of whom remember her fondly even after they’ve grown up and started families of their own. 

“It’s really nice to know that they still remember me after so many years,” Ruby said. “They’ll come up to me and say, ‘You were the best driver,’ or ‘I missed you driving my bus when you left.'”

One such memorable moment recently occurred when Gabe Scott, a student on Ruby’s bus, invited her to his kindergarten music program at East Knox County Elementary School. 

Gabe, knowing that Ruby would be there for him, eagerly extended the invitation, showcasing the special bond between a caring bus driver and her passenger.

The joy on Gabe’s face as he embraced Ruby after the program spoke volumes about the impact she has had on his life. 

“If I can make one kid happy in a day’s time, I’m happy,” Ruby remarks, her eyes shining with pride.

As Ruby continues her journey behind the wheel, her dedication and love for the children she transports remain unwavering. 

Whether it’s a reassuring smile, a listening ear, or a comforting presence, Ruby Hensley embodies the spirit of School Bus Driver Appreciation Day every day of the year.

Knox County Schools is grateful to Ruby Hensley and all the dedicated bus drivers like her, whose tireless efforts ensure that students arrive safely at their destinations, and whose kindness leaves a lasting impact on the hearts of those they serve.