Tara Baxter
Comstock Park,MI
Summary
Professional educator with strong background in literacy improvement and instructional strategies. Known for fostering collaborative environments and driving student success through targeted interventions. Skilled in curriculum development, data analysis, and mentoring teachers to enhance instructional practices. Reliable team player with flexible approach, adapting to evolving educational needs.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Literacy Coach
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science – Choice Schools Associates
11.2011 - Current
- Provide literacy coaching for TK–5 classrooms, modeling evidence-based instructional strategies aligned with the Science of Reading.
- Lead professional development sessions on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and effective literacy interventions.
- Facilitate Data Digs and Grade-Level Problem-Solving Meetings to analyze student data, identify skill gaps, and develop targeted interventions.
- Facilitate monthly MTSS Literacy meetings to enhance instructional alignment and improve student outcomes.
- Collaborate with teachers and interventionists to implement Individualized Reading Intervention Plans (IRIPs) and monitor progress.
- Serve as Parent Liaison for the Parent Team, strengthening communication and family engagement.
- Built the school library by securing community book donations and creating a literacy hub for students.
- Chair school-wide events such as Book Fairs and the Talent Show.
- Serve on the Child Study Team to support student interventions and progress monitoring.
- Act as Administrative Support when needed, building relationships with students and supporting school leadership.
Lead Teacher
Campus Elementary – Schools of Hope/Neland Avenue CRC
08.2011 - 11.2011
- Provided small-group literacy instruction for first- and second-grade students.
- Collaborated with school and community partners (United Way and The Loop) to improve literacy outcomes.
Champions Site Director
Knowledge Learning Corporation – Child Discovery Center
01.2011 - 08.2011
- Directed before- and after-school programs for K–5 students.
- Supervised staff, managed programming, and ensured academic enrichment.
- Oversaw program funded through the 21st Century Grant Program.
ARCH After-School Program Site Coordinator
Kentwood Public Schools – Crossroads Alternative High School
07.2009 - 12.2010
- Administered 21st Century Community Learning Center program for grades 9–12.
- Managed eight staff members and supervised the Youth Advisory Board.
- Awarded a Teen Safe Driving Grant through the SAVE Organization.
Read 180 Paraprofessional/Tutor
Kentwood Public Schools – Crossroads Alternative High School
10.2008 - 06.2009
- Provided literacy intervention and tutoring for grades 9–12.
- Supported Read 180 software implementation and small-group instruction.
- Completed Capturing Kids’ Hearts training focused on relationship-driven classroom management.
Education
Master of Arts - K–12 Literacy Studies
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - English/Language Arts, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI12.2005
High School - undefined
Kenowa Hills High School
Grand Rapids, MI05.2000
Skills
- Literacy coaching
- Evidence-based instruction
- Phonological awareness
- Phonics instruction
Affiliations
- Board Member, West Michigan Reading Council (formerly Kent Reading Council) — Member since 2016; served as Vice President (2020–2022) and President (2022–2025). Provided leadership in literacy advocacy, professional learning, and community partnerships.
- Literacy Coaches Network (LLCN) Member — 2015–2023. Collaborated with regional literacy leaders to align instructional practices and data-driven instruction.
- Library Network Member — 2016–2020. Advocated for equitable access to literacy resources and shared best practices for school library development.
- Michigan Reading Association Member — 2015–Present. Active participant in statewide professional learning and literacy advocacy.
- Featured Literacy Advocate on Local Television — Appeared in Summer 2023 and Summer 2024 interviews on preventing the “summer slide” and promoting reading engagement.
Certification
- Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate
- Elementary Education (K–5, All Subjects)
- K–8, All Subjects in Self-Contained Classroom (ZG)
- Language Arts (K–8) (BX)
Timeline
Literacy Coach
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science – Choice Schools Associates
11.2011 - Current
Lead Teacher
Campus Elementary – Schools of Hope/Neland Avenue CRC
08.2011 - 11.2011
Champions Site Director
Knowledge Learning Corporation – Child Discovery Center
01.2011 - 08.2011
ARCH After-School Program Site Coordinator
Kentwood Public Schools – Crossroads Alternative High School
07.2009 - 12.2010
Read 180 Paraprofessional/Tutor
Kentwood Public Schools – Crossroads Alternative High School
10.2008 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - English/Language Arts, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University
High School - undefined
Kenowa Hills High School
Master of Arts - K–12 Literacy Studies
Grand Valley State University
HONORS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) — Completed comprehensive 2-year Science of Reading training; identified as one of the most impactful professional learning experiences.
- Acadience Mentor — Specialized training to lead PD and implementation support for the Acadience Assessment.
- MTSS Leadership Team Member — Support building-level implementation of multi-tiered literacy supports.
- Literacy Essentials Training — Professional development on research-supported literacy practices.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- West Michigan Whitecaps, Comstock Park, MI Souvenir Supervisor | July 1999–Present
- Manage retail operations and game-day staff, including training, scheduling, and customer service.
- Maintain inventory control and sales across multiple satellite locations.
- Recognized for exceptional leadership and long-term commitment to the organization.