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, Student Success

Hands-On Training Leads to Full-Time Job for KCS HVAC Intern

For Keaton Kidd, working with his hands has always been second nature. From electrical to plumbing and HVAC, he explored various trades in high school. But it wasn’t until he participated in an internship with the KCS Maintenance Department that he found his career path.

“I knew I wanted to do a trade when I got out of school,” Kidd said. “When they came out with this program, I said, ‘I’ll try it.’ I loved the people I worked with. They were great teachers. So I decided I’d stick with this.”

Kidd was one of several students who took part in the KCS Maintenance internship, a program that allowed students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting. 

During his semester-long internship, Kidd spent his afternoons working alongside seasoned HVAC technicians, gaining hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing equipment.

The internship program was developed when Halls High Principal Spencer Long reached out to the KCS Director of Maintenance, Chris Towe, about students interested in an internship.

Mike Pollard, Maintenance Supervisor, said the experience was invaluable—not just for students, but for the department as well.

“They were already taking an HVAC class through the CTE department, so they understood the basics,” Pollard explained. “When they came to work with us, they would ride with one of our seasoned technicians, gaining real, hands-on experience. They weren’t just watching; they were troubleshooting and repairing equipment.”

Kidd stood out early on. His work ethic, dependability, and enthusiasm for the trade made a lasting impression on the team.

“He was always on time. He didn’t miss a day,” Pollard said. “He’s just a nice young man and a really good employee.”

After completing his internship, Kidd was hired full-time as an HVAC Technician with KCS Maintenance, covering schools in the north Knoxville area—a community he grew up in.

“I love it,” Kidd said. “Just the people I’m always around are so positive and great to work with.”

Pollard emphasized that Kidd’s success highlights the benefits of the program.

“We knew his work ethic and his knowledge before he came to work with us, and that’s a tremendous help when making a hiring decision,” he said. “We actually picked Keaton over some candidates with more experience because he showed initiative and really wanted to be here.”

As for students considering an internship, Kidd has simple advice: “It doesn’t hurt to try. I tried it, and I loved it. Maybe someone else can too.”

With the success of the HVAC and electrical internship programs, Pollard believes there’s potential for expansion into other trades.

“I can see it growing,” he said. “If students show interest in other areas, we’d love to give them the same opportunities.”

For Kidd, that opportunity turned into a career—one built on hands-on learning, hard work, and a passion for the trade.

Career Empowerment and Preparation

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Career Empowerment and Preparation. At KCS, we are committed to preparing students for graduation and life after graduation. By providing students with early and meaningful opportunities to explore colleges and KCS is reimagining the high school experience through the 865 Academies to prepare students for their future after graduation, whether that means enrolling in postsecondary studies; enlisting in service to their country; or finding employment in a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand profession, with an entrepreneurial mindset. Learn more about this initiative at knoxschools.org/academies.