About Us

JD Overton

I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the Principal of Carter Middle School—a place that holds a special place in my heart and where my educational journey began. My career in education started right here at CMS in 2005 as a Health Teacher, and returning as Principal feels like coming full circle.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve students and families across Knox County in a variety of roles. After my time teaching at Carter, I moved to Halls High School, where I served as the Graduation Coach and Head Football Coach. These roles deepened my passion for supporting students both in and out of the classroom. I then transitioned into administration, serving as Assistant Principal at Halls Middle School, followed by two impactful years at Karns High School as Assistant Principal from 2019 to 2021.

Since 2021, it has been a true privilege to lead the dedicated staff, supportive families, and incredible students at Carter Middle School. I’m committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and academically challenging environment where all students can thrive. I look forward to continuing to build on our school’s strong traditions while always striving for excellence.

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Joseph Ramsey

Hello parents and students! I’m excited to begin my eleventh year as Assistant Principal at Carter Middle School. As a proud Carter graduate, it means so much to me to serve the very community that helped shape who I am today.

In my role as the 7th-grade Assistant Principal, I believe in setting high expectations and encouraging every student to give their best effort. I truly believe that each of our students has the potential to achieve great things.

At CMS, our staff is dedicated to supporting and guiding every student toward success. We are committed to creating a positive, respectful, and encouraging school environment. If you ever have questions or need support, please know our doors are always open. I look forward to a great school year together!

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Jennifer Stanley

Hello! I’m Jennifer Stanley, and I’m thrilled to be serving as the 6th-grade administrator at Carter Middle School for the 2025–2026 school year. This is such an exciting time for our students as they begin their middle school journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside them every step of the way.

At CMS, we hold high expectations for all of our students, and we believe they are fully capable of rising to the challenges ahead. This year, we’re proud to continue building on our school-wide theme: Hornet PRIDE — Positive, Respectful, Involved, Dependable, and Excellent. These values guide everything we do, and we’re committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive.

We truly value our partnership with students, families, teachers, and the entire Carter community. If you ever have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email. Together, we can make Carter Middle School the best middle school in Knox County!

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Dr. Claire Adams

Dr. Claire Adams is proud to have spent over two decades teaching and leading in Knox County Schools. A Knoxville native and KCS graduate herself, Dr. Adams feels deeply connected to the community that helped shape her own educational journey—and is honored to now give back through her work in our schools.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Tennessee, as well as both a Master’s and Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership from Carson-Newman University.

Dr. Adams began her career teaching high school English at Carter High School, where she spent 13 meaningful years as a teacher leader, department chair, and mentor teacher. Her passion for supporting students and educators led her into administration, first at Whittle Springs Middle School, and then back home to the Carter community in 2021, where she currently serves as Principal of Carter Middle School.

With deep roots in Knoxville and a heart for public education, Dr. Adams is committed to fostering a school environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired every day.

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