About Us

Mrs. Windy Clayton

Windy Clayton joined Knox County Schools in 2005 as a teacher at Farragut Middle School after teaching in Washington and Jefferson Counties. She began her administrative career in 2007 as an assistant principal at South-Doyle Middle School, where she served for five years. In 2012, she was selected for the Leadership Academy and placed at Karns Middle School as an assistant principal.

She went on to serve as an assistant principal at Vine Middle School for three years before being named principal of Beaumont Magnet Academy in 2016. She led Beaumont until 2023, when she transitioned to the Knox Education Foundation as a Partner Engagement Officer, recruiting and fostering partnerships for the KCS 865 Academies. She returned to Knox County Schools in 2025, as principal of Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy.

Ms. Clayton has a passion for cultivating a positive school culture, building strong relationships, and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and a master’s degree in Teaching from East Tennessee State University, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Email Mrs. clayton

Ms. Tammy Drake

Tamara Drake is an educator with over 20 years of service in education.  She has built a career committed to student success, teacher development, and school improvement.  She began her career in education in 2006 as a teacher at Farragut Primary School, where she taught until 2009.  She then returned to education in 2012 as a teacher at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy and taught there until 2019.  In 2019, Ms, Drake advanced in her career by becoming a TPaCK (Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge) Coach for 5 years.  Since 2024, she has served in the role of Assistant Administrator at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy.

Ms. Drake holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a master’s degree in Teacher as Instructional Leader from South College, and an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

Email Ms. Drake

Dr. Melody Hawkins

Dr. Melody Hawkins is an award-winning educator, author, and school leader dedicated to providing equitable, high-quality learning experiences for all students. She began her career as a science teacher at Vine Middle Magnet School, later serving as Assistant Administrator at Austin-East Magnet High School and District K–12 Science Facilitator for Region 5 in Knox County Schools.

Dr. Hawkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Carson-Newman University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Austin Peay State University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Innovation from National University.

She is the author of Black Girl in the Middle, published by Corwin Press, a guest lecturer for National University, and a contributor to numerous educational publications. Recognized nationally for her impact, Dr. Hawkins was named the 2021 National University Teacher of the Year and one of Knoxville’s “40 Under 40” most influential leaders.

Email Dr. Hawkins

Mrs. Chelsea Gonzalez

Chelsea Gonzalez joined Knox County Schools in 2022 as an assistant principal at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy. Prior to this, Mrs. Gonzalez taught in Keller ISD in Keller, Texas before moving into school administration. Mrs. Gonzalez served as an assistant principal at two campuses in Keller ISD prior to moving to Knoxville. She is excited to start her 4th year as a member of the SMGMA family!

Mrs. Gonzalez is passionate about ensuring every student receives the support they need in order to be successful. She also values our educators at Sarah Moroe Greene and strives for professional growth.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

E-mail mrs. gonzalez

Mr. Christopher Deal

Christopher Deal has proudly served as the Assistant Principal at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy for the past seven years, overseeing Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. With more than 23 years of experience in education across Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida, he has had the joy of watching students grow from their very first days in Pre-K through 5th grade.

A Florida native, Christopher enjoys traveling to tropical destinations whenever vacation time allows. He is especially passionate about literacy and leads by example, sharing his own love of reading with students to inspire them to become lifelong learners.

E-Mail Mr. Deal