Oasis Tutoring
About the Oasis Program
Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring is a program of Oasis, a national, not-for-profit education organization headquartered in St. Louis. Oasis offers programs in the arts, humanities, technology, health and wellness, and volunteer services for individuals aged 50 or older.
The tutoring program partners with school districts to pair elementary students who would benefit from individual attention with adult volunteers to work one-on-one each week during the school year to build confidence, self-esteem and encourage a love of reading. These are important parts of the Oasis tutoring program:
- Before working with students, tutors receive in-depth training on using the Oasis six-part session plan activities specifically designed for the program by reading specialists. These activities include talking, reading and writing. Training is conducted by Oasis personnel.
- Background checks for all tutors are performed in accordance with the district’s policy for volunteers.
- Tutoring sessions take place during the school day, at the school building, outside of the classroom.
- Volunteers commit to work one-on-one with the same student each week for the entire school year.
- The district facilitator conducts ongoing support/enrichment meetings for tutors.
Goals of Oasis Tutoring
Oasis tutors ARE:
- Older adults, usually retired from a variety of career fields
- Volunteers who have expressed care, interest and willingness to support elementary students
- Trusted mentors who provide opportunities for students to practice reading, writing and communication skills in a positive, relaxed, one-on-one session each week
- Cleared to volunteer one-on-one with students through the full Pattonville human resources background check and fingerprinting process
Oasis tutors are NOT:
- Trained to be homework helpers or teacher aides
- Certified teachers (though many volunteers happen to be retired educators, it is not a requirement)
- Professional tutors (in the traditional sense) or curriculum/education experts
Contact
Gracie Faron
Community Relations Specialist and Oasis District Facilitator
314-213-8025
As a 15-year volunteer tutor at Remington, I have learned as much as I have taught. Students amaze me with questions, insights and keen conversations. And I am continually energized by the vibe that keeps that whole building humming.Martha Murphy Oasis Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
As an Oasis tutor at Willow Brook, it has been my experience that tutoring builds student confidence along with self-esteem. Most students feel very special having one-on-one time. I get to see improvement in skills, reading comprehension, speed, pronunciation, writing and spelling. Tutoring is for certain a shared learning opportunity. I have heartfelt gratitude from simply getting to know my students — I enjoy their company and how they enrich my life! I am pleased that Pattonville School District embraces the Oasis program!Linda Shead Oasis Volunteer
Oasis Tutoring Interest Form
Required