How to Raise a Reader

Fort Loudoun Middle School Community,

First of all, I would just like to say that it is my absolute pleasure to serve you, your students, and this community as the principal of Fort Loudoun Middle School. My name is Blake Harris and I am a lifelong resident of Loudon County and the City of Loudon. For approximately thirty-five years, I have lived within five miles of Fort Loudoun Middle School. I attended Loudon Elementary School from 1987 through 1993, Fort Loudoun Middle School from 1993 through 1996, and I graduated from Loudon High School in 2000. The formative years of my life were spent on this campus and I am thrilled to be working back in my home community.

As far as my formal education and career are concerned, I received my bachelor's degree from Tennessee Technological University in 2005. Upon graduation, I spent a year substitute teaching. Much of that experience took place at Fort Loudoun Middle School. From 2007 through 2022, I worked as a school-level technology coordinator, fifth-grade social studies teacher, and 8th grade social studies teacher at North Middle School. It was during my time at North Middle School that I joined the Loudon County Schools aspiring administrators’ program. Concurrently, I completed my graduate studies through Arkansas State University and I was fortunate to serve as interim assistant principal at both North Middle School and Highland Park Elementary School.

On a personal note, I have been married to my wife, Sara, since 2019. Sara currently serves as a guidance counselor at North Middle School. In 2020, we welcomed our son, Charlie into the world. My wife and son are my top priority and I am looking forward to introducing then to the Fort Loudoun Middle School family.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The secret to education lies in respecting the pupil." I firmly believe that the first thing that every school staff member should do is to form genuine, loving relationships with students. In order for students to learn, they must view school as a place of security, safety, and love. It is my belief that every single student should have a positive relationship with one or more members of the school staff. Fort Loudoun Middle School is a place where relationships are a top priority. Once positive relationships are developed, an environment is created where students have the freedom to think, learn, and grow.

The primary role of any school administrator should be to serve all members of the school community. I promise you that I will work tirelessly to do that. I promise that I will listen and I will empathize. Above all, I promise that I will ALWAYS do what is best for students. GO BRAVES!

Blake Harris

Principal

Fort Loudoun Middle School

(865) 458-2026 ext. 1801

[email protected]