Campbell Named Principal at Upperman Middle

Algood Middle School Assistant Principal takes reins at UMS

PUTNAM COUNTY, TENN. - Putnam County Schools is proud to announce that Amber Campbell has been named the new principal of Upperman Middle School.

Campbell replaces Jessica Etheridge, who recently announced she is leaving at the end of the school year.

Campbell brings a passion for education, years of leadership experience, and a deep desire to serve the Baxter community alongside her husband, Justin Campbell, who currently serves as principal at Upperman High School.

“I am beyond excited to meet the people and experience the culture I hear so much about in Baxter,” said Campbell. “I’m really excited to contribute to the community.”

Campbell began her career in education at South Fentress before heading to Avery Trace, where she served as RTI Behavior Coordinator, RTI Academic Coordinator, and mentor for new teachers. Most recently, she has spent two years as an assistant principal at Algood Middle School, further sharpening her leadership skills and commitment to student success.

Her journey into school leadership was born out of a deep love for the classroom.

“There is nothing better than the classroom. I absolutely fell in love with teaching,” shared Campbell. “I began to work with colleagues and developed a love for collaborating, supporting each other, and sharing resources. Once I got into leadership, it was like an itch I couldn’t stop scratching. I just wanted to do more and be more and help everybody in the building as much as I could.

Campbell and her husband, Justin, have been married for 17 years. Their strong foundation of communication and trust supports their relationship and fuels their shared mission to impact the Baxter community positively.

“Justin and I have been happily married for 17 years. I say that because communication and trust has always been a strong point,” said Campbell. “I trust he is doing everything he knows best at the high school level. He trusts I will do everything I can at the middle school level. We hope to strengthen the connection between the two campuses and give back to the community. We are excited about the opportunity.”

Campbell looks forward to inspiring students, supporting staff, and building lasting partnerships within the Baxter community.

She has a B.S. in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech University.

Amber and Justin have a daughter, Elizabeth Campbell, who is in the 6th grade at Prescott South Middle School. She is active in the PSMS Cheer team.