Tamara Lynn Basil
Grand Haven,USA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate education and counseling professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting student growth, academic success, and career exploration in K-12 education. Experienced in counseling, student advocacy, curriculum leadership, social-emotional support, and family collaboration. Skilled in advising students on academic and career pathways, facilitating educational programming, and building strong relationships with students, families, faculty, and community organizations. Passionate about mentoring and guiding students pursuing future educational and professional goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
7th–8th Grade Counselor
Grand Haven Area Public Schools – Lakeshore Middle School
Grand Haven, Michigan
08.2015 - Current
- Provide academic, career, and social-emotional counseling support for middle school students.
- Deliver career exploration lessons and guide students through class selection and academic planning.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to address student needs and promote success.
- Participate in child study meetings, behavior intervention teams, and social-emotional support initiatives.
- Attend IEP meetings, develop and manage 504 plans, and coordinate interventions for students requiring additional support.
- Counsel families regarding academic progress, mental health resources, transition planning, employment pathways, and high school readiness.
- Facilitate restorative circles and student-centered interventions to promote positive school culture.
6th Grade ELA & Science Teacher
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
Grand Haven, Michigan
08.2010 - 06.2015
- Taught English Language Arts and Science while supporting diverse learning styles and academic needs.
- Served as team leader, Science grade-level leader, and ELA grade-level leader.
- Participated on interview committees and school improvement initiatives.
- Coordinated sixth-grade field trips, transition activities, and student recognition programs.
- Led reading incentive programs and collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teaching teams.
- Contributed to PBIS and transition committees to support student engagement and positive behavior.
5th Grade Teacher
Grand Haven Area Public Schools – Rosy Mound Elementary
Grand Haven, Michigan
08.2000 - 06.2014
- Developed engaging instruction in core academic subjects with a strong emphasis on student growth and achievement.
- Served on Language Arts Curriculum Committee and as Elementary Science Curriculum Leader.
- Led extracurricular programs including Safety Patrol, Girls on the Run, and Student Council.
- Acted as PTO teacher representative and collaborated with families and staff to strengthen school-community partnerships.
Migrant Summer Camp Teacher (Grades 6–12)
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
Grand Haven, Michigan
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Provided English Language Arts and Math instruction for migrant students in grades 6–12.
- Collaborated with families and educators to support student achievement and engagement.
- Adapted instruction to meet varied educational backgrounds and learning needs.
6th Grade Teacher
Southlake Public Schools
Michigan
08.1998 - 06.2000
- Planned and delivered instruction across multiple subject areas in a kindergarten through sixth-grade setting.
- Organized educational field experiences, including an overnight Toronto trip connected to the social studies curriculum.
- Led Student Council and coached varsity cross country and track.
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to support student success and school initiatives.
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
Detroit, Michigan
08.1997 - 06.1998
- Developed lesson plans and instruction for 65 Language Arts students.
- Served on the textbook review committee evaluating the Houghton Mifflin series.
- Designed differentiated instruction to support varied reading levels and learning needs.
Education
Master of School Counseling - K–12 Certification
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA04-2009
Master of Arts in Teaching - Education | Minor: English | K–8 Certification
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, USA08-1998
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Social Work
Albion College
Albion, Michigan, USA01-1994
Skills
- 504 & IEP Collaboration
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
- Team Leadership & Program Coordination
- Family & Community Outreach
- Career Training and Education
- Student Information Systems
- Google Workspace & Microsoft Office Suite
Accomplishments
- Recipient of the Grand Haven Excellence in Service Award.
- Collaborated with team of principals, teachers and counselors in the development of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.
- Documented and resolved failing and unmotivated students which led to them applying and getting accepted to the Career Tech Center and for many being accepted to 2 and 4 year college programs.
Affiliations
- Board Member, TriCities YMCA (2014–2024)
- Event Committee Member, Children’s Advocacy Center (2010–2024)
- Second Grade Religious Education Teacher, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (2008–2018)
- Board Member, CHILL (2015–Present)
- Board Member, Wigginton Foundation (2025–Present)
- Fuel Up to Play 60 Leader (2015–2022)
- Excellence in Service Award Recipient (2021)
- Blue Envelope First Responder Initiative Participant
- Restorative Circle Leader
Certification
- Licensed - Counseling Education/School Counselor- Masters Western Michigan University 2013
Timeline
Migrant Summer Camp Teacher (Grades 6–12)
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
06.2023 - 08.2023
7th–8th Grade Counselor
Grand Haven Area Public Schools – Lakeshore Middle School
08.2015 - Current
6th Grade ELA & Science Teacher
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
08.2010 - 06.2015
5th Grade Teacher
Grand Haven Area Public Schools – Rosy Mound Elementary
08.2000 - 06.2014
6th Grade Teacher
Southlake Public Schools
08.1998 - 06.2000
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Detroit Public Schools
08.1997 - 06.1998
Master of School Counseling - K–12 Certification
Western Michigan University
Master of Arts in Teaching - Education | Minor: English | K–8 Certification
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Social Work
Albion College
Core Competencies
- Academic & Career Advising
- Student Advocacy & Support
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Health & Career Exploration
- Student Success Planning
- Parent & Family Communication
- Program Coordination
- Workshop & Lesson Facilitation
- Leadership & Team Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution & Restorative Practices
- Curriculum Development
- Community Engagement