Oasis Tutoring

Oasis Tutoring Partnering with MPS
Posted on 10/22/2021

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program Launches with MPS
By:  Christine Harper
#BulldogNationAheadofthePack

            I’ve often wondered what I will do after I retire, which can happen in less than two years.  I will only be 54 years old, and I know that I will go stir crazy just sitting at home.  For several years now, my students have “kept me young,” and I will miss working with them, partly for that reason.  I will probably substitute in an effort to keep that connection with kids that never leaves an educator.  I also have another option that I didn’t realize existed until a few months ago.

            Mexico Public Schools and Bright Futures is partnering with Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program this year where a tutor will be paired with a K-3rd grade student in need of a little extra reading help.  What is unique about this program is that it is geared toward our older population, 50 and up, as a matter of fact.  Oasis tutors meet once a week with a student using a six-step approach to literacy that emphasizes improved reading, speaking, listening, and writing.

            The Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring program is the largest older adult tutoring program in the U.S. and has reached more than 485,000 children over the last 30 years.  In 2018, Oasis tutors helped 21,000 children in 630 schools in 75 school districts across the country.  Not only is this beneficial for our students, but also for the adult tutors, in that it promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and service to community.

            One Oasis tutor had this to say about the program, “When I retired, I was looking for something to do involving reading and literacy.  Becoming an Oasis tutor was a chance to do some good and give back to my community.  The children want to learn, but just need a little help or special attention to do so.  There is nothing quite like the smiles you see when you arrive for a lesson.”

            Schools that work with Oasis tutors had this to say, “Oasis tutors add a positive element to my school.”  Ninety-six percent of teachers reported improved confidence and self-esteem in their students.

            Mexico Public Schools is looking for volunteer tutors for the Oasis program and will be offering tutor training on November 1st at the Central Office.  It does require some leg work on your part, but the payoff is something you cannot put a price on.  If you are interested in becoming an Oasis tutor, please contact:

            Amanda Plybon
            
573-416-3193
            
[email protected]