Mrs. Sayers is a veteran science teacher with 16 years of classroom experience: four years at Jackson High School (Michigan), seven years at West High School, and five years at Hardin Valley Academy.  During that time, she taught basic and CP biology, CP and honors chemistry, PWC, Honors Chemistry 2, and AP Chemistry.  She coached volleyball, boys’ and girls’ cross country, and girls track.  

While at HVA, she served as STEM Academy Dean, lead teacher, and facilitated the chemistry and AP/Honors professional learning communities.  She mentored over 200 Senior Portfolio students, established partnerships with engineers and scientists in the Knoxville/UTK/Oak Ridge corridor, and helped organize the Science Matters lecture series in collaboration with science teachers at Farragut High School.  She directed the HVA STEM Camp, the Two Blues STEM Camp (HVA/FHS), and the Fountain City STEAM Camp for elementary and middle school students.

She served as an AP Reader for four years, a test item writer and reviewer for the ACT/PLAN/Explore tests, a test item reviewer for the state chemistry exam (TN), and was one of several authors for the AP Chemistry Lab Manual during the re-design of the course in 2013. She was named Knox County Schools High School Teacher of the Year and the East TN Section of the American Chemical Society Chemistry Teacher of the Year in 2013. She served as curriculum principal at Farragut High School for two years and as an assistant principal at Central High School for four years.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Spring Arbor University in Michigan and a Masters of Science in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.  She is honored to serve the students and staff of Bearden High School.

Dr. Dave Rynkiewicz is known for his positive, collaborative, supportive, and approachable leadership qualities. Dave started his career as a substitute teacher in 2007 before finding an interim position as a mathematics and physical education teacher at Frank Wright School in El Monte City School District in El Monte, California. He taught math at David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank and then served as math teacher and department chair at San Dimas High School in San Dimas, where he was recognized as San Dimas High School Teacher of the Year in 2015. In 2017, he moved into administration as an assistant principal at West Covina High School. In 2021, he was named executive principal at Gabrielino High School in San Gabriel, California.

Dave has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Cal State University, a single subject teaching credential in mathematics from Point Loma Nazarene University, a master of arts in Diversified Biblical and Theological Studies from BIOLA University, and an Ed.D in K-12 Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Dave has been married to his wife Flavia for 11 years and has two children. He is fluent in Spanish.

Mr. Greg Adams will be joining us as our new 12th-grade principal.  Greg is a veteran educator with 18 years of experience who has a heart for youth and families. Greg started his career rehabilitating at-risk youth for 15 years as a Youth Specialist at the Jackson County Youth Center. He followed that by serving as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at DaVinci High School in Jackson, Michigan, and six years as a special education instructor for the Jackson Intermediate School District. He has worked as Program Director for Western Career Prep High School and as an Assistant Principal at Jackson High School.

Greg has a bachelor’s degree in Learning Disabilities/Special Education and a master’s degree in Emotional Impairment, both from Michigan State University.  He earned his certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. Greg is an East Tennessee native, a dedicated and highly motivated educator and mentor, and a well-rounded individual with a focus on excellence, innovation, and self-improvement. He is warm, positive, and 100% student-centered.

Steve Harris is a veteran educator with 13 years of experience who cares about kids and has an infectious warmth that fills a room. During his career, he has worked as a substitute teacher, a teaching assistant, a teacher, and a coach. He started his career in behavioral management classrooms at Ross Robinson Middle School and Tennessee High School before working as a staff member and mentor at Crossing Point, a boys' group home. From there, he taught Algebra 1 and special education at Farragut High School and special education, ELA, math, and positive behavior classes at Alcoa High School. He was a member of Alcoa's RTI2B implementation team and served on the At-Risk Student Committee. After three years at Alcoa High, he returned to Farragut High School, where he served as a special education teacher for four years. In addition to his time in the classroom, Steve has worked as an EdTPA scorer, reviewing and scoring teacher candidate portfolios.

Mr. Harris is originally from Bristol, TN, and graduated from Tennessee High School. He attended East Tennessee State University, earning his Bachelor's degree in Special Education. Mr. Harris has also earned his Master's degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University and his Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Mr. Harris and his wife Jessica have a one-year-old son, Jaxon. He and his family are excited about joining the Bearden family.