As students begin to filter back into the hallways of Bearden and transition from summer to the upcoming school year, Mrs. Candace Greer begins her transition as Bearden’s new assistant principal of the junior class. 

Mrs. Greer’s position is one of a few new changes to the administrative team, as Bearden has also welcomed Mrs. Debbie Sayers as head principal. Additionally, Mrs. Cara Vaughn, previously an instructional coach, is now freshman assistant principal, and Mrs. Cassandra Dowd is the new assistant principal overseeing curriculum.

Mr. Rod Crockett will continue as the senior assistant principal, and Mr. Donald Balcom will be the sophomore principal, while also retaining his athletics director title.

Mrs. Greer started her teaching career at West High School as an English teacher for about seven years. She was then accepted into the Knox County Schools Leadership Academy and transitioned to Gresham Middle School.

Before coming to Bearden, Mrs. Greer spent the past three years at Farragut High School as the curriculum principal, focusing more on making schedules, schedule changes, and working with counselors. She said her new position brings a welcome change in that it will give her more opportunities to interact with students.

“I have a group of students that I’m assigned to here which is really great; I appreciate that so much,” Mrs. Greer said. “I’m glad to be back with students.”

Mrs. Greer is also excited to reunite with Mrs. Sayers. The two briefly worked together at West High School, and Mrs. Greer remembers the time fondly and thinks highly of Mrs. Sayers. 

Not only has Mrs. Greer taught all over Knoxville, she is also a true Knoxville native and has lived here her entire life. She graduated from Farragut in 1998 and continued her schooling at the University of Tennessee earning a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in education.

Though Mrs. Greer has been spending a majority of her time adjusting to Bearden, meeting and getting to know the needs of her new students, she still finds time to include her hobbies. She devotes her free time to her 7-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son, her book club, and CrossFit.

“When I’m not here at school I’m an avid CrossFitter,” Mrs. Greer said. “I try to do CrossFit five days a week. I usually go there right after school.”

Though this year will be full of transitions for Mrs. Greer, she is eager about what her first year at Bearden will hold. She already senses that Bearden has a family feel amongst the staff and the students, and is ready to experience everything that makes Bearden special.

“I’m ready for our first football game, and everything that makes a high school, a high school,” Mrs. Greer said. “I love the community.”