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 Vice 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.