Oasis Tutor Tribune
One Child, One Tutor, One School Year. Two Lives Forever Changed.
September 2026
From the Chief Purpose Officer’s Desk
Dear Oasis Tutors,
Fall is a season of fresh starts, renewed energy, and new opportunities to grow—and we’re feeling all of that at Oasis Tutoring! We’re thrilled to welcome new tutors and equally excited to see so many familiar faces returning for another season.
Every tutor brings something special to students: encouragement, patience, knowledge, and the confidence that comes from having someone believe in them. Whether you’re new to Oasis Tutoring or have been serving for years, the time and attention you give make an incredible difference.
As we move into the school year, we hope you’ll enjoy your time with students and find that you learn and grow right alongside them. We also encourage you to continue strengthening your skills by attending Tutor University sessions—and perhaps even take an Oasis class or two!
As we settle into this new season, we’re grateful for each of you and for the time, energy, and heart you bring to Oasis Tutoring. Together, you make it a meaningful place to learn, connect, and grow.
Warm regards,
Stephanie McCreary
Oasis Chief Purpose Officer
End Of Year Survey Results
The 2026 Annual Survey results show the meaningful impact Oasis Tutoring continues to have on students, educators, and tutors. Explore a few highlights below, or click the button to download the full survey results and see the complete picture.
Educators report seeing students grow not only as readers, but also in their participation, confidence, and social-emotional development. That impact is matched by strong support for the program from schools, while tutors describe an experience that brings greater purpose and connection to their own lives.
These results really highlight the value of the relationships at the heart of Oasis Tutoring, for students who receive individualized support and for the tutors who help them discover what they can achieve.
Administrator, Facilitator, & Teacher National Responses (399 Responses)
97% of administrators would like Oasis tutors to return next year
99% of teachers feel that tutors have been a valuable addition to their school.
91% of teachers saw growth in the area of social emotional learning
98% of teachers reported an improvement in their students’ reading skills
Tutor National Results (669 Responses)
96% of tutors felt that the training they received from Oasis was either excellent or great
71% of tutors felt that participating in Oasis increased their social connections
99% of tutors felt that participating in the tutoring adds a purposeful element to their life
93% of tutors saw a noticeable increase in the student’s reading skills
“The Oasis mentors were a great resource for the students who participated in the program. Students were reading more and were eager to show the mentor what they were practicing at home. Having the mentors was a great help for those struggling students. It added extra support for their reading development.”
– Educator at a Participating Oasis Tutoring School
End of Year Survey Results
The 2026 Annual Survey results show the meaningful impact Oasis Tutoring continues to have on students, educators, and tutors. Explore a few highlights below, or click the button to download the full survey results and see the complete picture.
Educators report seeing students grow not only as readers, but also in their participation, confidence, and social-emotional development. That impact is matched by strong support for the program from schools, while tutors describe an experience that brings greater purpose and connection to their own lives.
These results really highlight the value of the relationships at the heart of Oasis Tutoring, for students who receive individualized support and for the tutors who help them discover what they can achieve.
The 2026 Annual Survey results show the meaningful impact Oasis Tutoring continues to have on students, educators, and tutors. Explore a few highlights below, or click the button to download the full survey results and see the complete picture.
Educators report seeing students grow not only as readers, but also in their participation, confidence, and social-emotional development. That impact is matched by strong support for the program from schools, while tutors describe an experience that brings greater purpose and connection to their own lives.
These results really highlight the value of the relationships at the heart of Oasis Tutoring, for students who receive individualized support and for the tutors who help them discover what they can achieve.
Administrator, Facilitator, & Teacher National Results (399 Responses)
Administrator, Facilitator, & Teacher National Results (399 Responses)
97% of administrators would like Oasis tutors to return next year
99% of teachers feel that tutors have been a valuable addition to their school
98% of teachers reported an improvement in their students’ reading skills
92% of teachers saw an increase in their students’ class participation
Tutor National Results (669 Responses)
96% of tutors thought the training they received was excellent or great
99% of tutors felt that being a tutor added a purposeful element to their life
71% of tutors felt that participating at Oasis increased their social connections
93% of tutors saw a noticeable increase in their students’ reading abilities
97% of administrators would like Oasis tutors to return next year
97% of administrators would like Oasis tutors to return next year
97% of administrators would like Oasis tutors to return next year
“The Oasis mentors were a great resource for the students who participated in the program. Students were reading more and were eager to show the mentor what they were practicing at home. Having the mentors was a great help for those struggling students. It added extra support for their reading development.”
– Educator at a Participating Oasis Tutoring School
2026-2027 Tutor University – Registration Now Open!
Oasis Tutoring is excited to launch Tutor University, a learning series created for all Oasis Tutoring volunteers, including both tutors and Postal Pals.
The 2026–2027 Tutor University calendar year continues with our popular First Fridays Enrichment Sessions (November–April).
These engaging virtual events provide opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow volunteers across the nation, and discover new ideas to support the students you serve. As an added bonus, volunteers who attend sessions will be eligible for attendance prizes based on their participation throughout the year.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired!
Fresh Off the Shelf: A First Look at This Year’s New Session Plans | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
The new school year brings new tools, new ideas, and new ways to connect with your student, and this session is your exclusive first look at all of them. Join us for an engaging overview of this year’s 10 brand-new session titles, where you’ll get a sneak peek at the topics, themes and activities coming your way throughout the year. Whether you’re a returning mentor or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to see the full picture, ask questions and get excited about the learning journey ahead for you and your student.
Location: Oasis Northwest Plaza & Zoom
500 Northwest Plaza Dr, Suite 425, St. Ann, MO 63074
Speaker: Sarah Lesinski
Sarah Lesinski is a fifth-grade teacher at St. Peter School in Kirkwood and has been serving students and families in education for the past 24 years. She holds a B.S. from the University of Dayton and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, along with an ESL certification. Sarah previously coordinated the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program and has partnered with volunteer tutors to support many of her students over the years. She is passionate about building strong literacy foundations, fostering confidence in young learners and empowering volunteers to make meaningful connections with the children they serve.
Ask the Experts: Insights from the Volunteers and Administrators Who Know Best | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Who better to learn from than the people already doing the work and the leaders who see it up close every day? This lively panel session brings together a group of experienced volunteers and school administrators for an open, honest conversation about what it really takes to mentor well. With a mix of pre-submitted questions and live Q&A, you’ll have the chance to get real answers to the questions on your mind, hear perspectives from both sides of the partnership and walk away with practical insights you can put to work at your very next session.
Location: Clayton Oasis & Zoom
50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Speakers: Tutors & Admins
Admins: Amy Ruzicka (Bayless), Jason Sefrit (St. Charles)
Read the Science: A Guide to the Five Pillars of Literacy | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Behind every child who learns to love reading is a foundation built on five essential pillars, and this session is your guide to all of them. We’ll take the science of reading out of the research journals and bring it to life in a way that’s practical, engaging and easy to understand. From phonemic awareness to comprehension, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how young readers develop, why each pillar matters and how your weekly sessions are already contributing to that foundation in powerful ways. Science has never felt so personal or so inspiring.
Location: Clayton Oasis & Zoom
50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Speakers: Kim Sult
Kim Sult is an experienced educator and instructional leader with over 25 years of experience supporting students and teachers. Her career spans roles as an elementary classroom teacher, special education teacher, and district leader all centered on literacy, curriculum design, and inclusive learning environments.
Currently serving as the Director of Elementary Instruction with the Northwest R-I School District, Kim coordinates district curriculum, the gifted program, after-school literacy tutoring, the Oasis intergenerational tutoring program, and new-teacher support. She holds a Master’s in Elementary Reading & Literacy from Walden University and a Special Education background from the University of Missouri.
Kim believes that strong relationships are at the heart of effective education, and she remains passionate about creating learning environments where every student can succeed.
2026-2027 Tutor University – Registration Now Open!
Oasis Tutoring is excited to launch Tutor University, a learning series created for all Oasis Tutoring volunteers, including both tutors and Postal Pals.
The 2026–2027 Tutor University calendar year continues with our popular First Fridays Enrichment Sessions (November–April).
These engaging virtual events provide opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow volunteers across the nation, and discover new ideas to support the students you serve. As an added bonus, volunteers who attend sessions will be eligible for attendance prizes based on their participation throughout the year.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired!
Fresh Off the Shelf: A First Look at This Year’s New Session Plans | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
The new school year brings new tools, new ideas, and new ways to connect with your student, and this session is your exclusive first look at all of them. Join us for an engaging overview of this year’s 10 brand-new session titles, where you’ll get a sneak peek at the topics, themes and activities coming your way throughout the year. Whether you’re a returning mentor or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to see the full picture, ask questions and get excited about the learning journey ahead for you and your student.
Location: Oasis Northwest Plaza & Zoom
500 Northwest Plaza Dr, Suite 425, St. Ann, MO 63074
Speaker: Sarah Lesinski
Sarah Lesinski is a fifth-grade teacher at St. Peter School in Kirkwood and has been serving students and families in education for the past 24 years. She holds a B.S. from the University of Dayton and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, along with an ESL certification. Sarah previously coordinated the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program and has partnered with volunteer tutors to support many of her students over the years. She is passionate about building strong literacy foundations, fostering confidence in young learners and empowering volunteers to make meaningful connections with the children they serve.
Ask the Experts: Insights from the Volunteers and Administrators Who Know Best | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Who better to learn from than the people already doing the work and the leaders who see it up close every day? This lively panel session brings together a group of experienced volunteers and school administrators for an open, honest conversation about what it really takes to mentor well. With a mix of pre-submitted questions and live Q&A, you’ll have the chance to get real answers to the questions on your mind, hear perspectives from both sides of the partnership and walk away with practical insights you can put to work at your very next session.
Location: Clayton Oasis & Zoom
50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Speakers: Tutors & Admins
Admins: Amy Ruzicka (Bayless), Jason Sefrit (St. Charles)
Read the Science: A Guide to the Five Pillars of Literacy | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Behind every child who learns to love reading is a foundation built on five essential pillars, and this session is your guide to all of them. We’ll take the science of reading out of the research journals and bring it to life in a way that’s practical, engaging and easy to understand. From phonemic awareness to comprehension, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how young readers develop, why each pillar matters and how your weekly sessions are already contributing to that foundation in powerful ways. Science has never felt so personal or so inspiring.
Location: Clayton Oasis & Zoom
50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Speakers: Kim Sult
Kim Sult is an experienced educator and instructional leader with over 25 years of experience supporting students and teachers. Her career spans roles as an elementary classroom teacher, special education teacher, and district leader all centered on literacy, curriculum design, and inclusive learning environments.
Currently serving as the Director of Elementary Instruction with the Northwest R-I School District, Kim coordinates district curriculum, the gifted program, after-school literacy tutoring, the Oasis intergenerational tutoring program, and new-teacher support. She holds a Master’s in Elementary Reading & Literacy from Walden University and a Special Education background from the University of Missouri.
Kim believes that strong relationships are at the heart of effective education, and she remains passionate about creating learning environments where every student can succeed.
2026-2027 Tutor University – Registration Now Open!
Oasis Tutoring is excited to launch Tutor University, a learning series created for all Oasis Tutoring volunteers, including both tutors and Postal Pals.
The 2026–2027 Tutor University calendar year continues with our popular First Fridays Enrichment Sessions (November–April).
These engaging virtual events provide opportunities to learn from experts, connect with fellow volunteers across the nation, and discover new ideas to support the students you serve. As an added bonus, volunteers who attend sessions will be eligible for attendance prizes based on their participation throughout the year.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired!
Fresh Off the Shelf: A First Look at This Year’s New Session Plans | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
The new school year brings new tools, new ideas, and new ways to connect with your student, and this session is your exclusive first look at all of them. Join us for an engaging overview of this year’s 10 brand-new session titles, where you’ll get a sneak peek at the topics, themes and activities coming your way throughout the year. Whether you’re a returning mentor or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to see the full picture, ask questions and get excited about the learning journey ahead for you and your student.
Location: Oasis Northwest Plaza & Zoom
500 Northwest Plaza Dr, Suite 425, St. Ann, MO 63074
Speaker: Sarah Lesinski
Sarah Lesinski is a fifth-grade teacher at St. Peter School in Kirkwood and has been serving students and families in education for the past 24 years. She holds a B.S. from the University of Dayton and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, along with an ESL certification. Sarah previously coordinated the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program and has partnered with volunteer tutors to support many of her students over the years. She is passionate about building strong literacy foundations, fostering confidence in young learners and empowering volunteers to make meaningful connections with the children they serve.
Ask the Experts: Insights from the Volunteers and Administrators Who Know Best | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Who better to learn from than the people already doing the work and the leaders who see it up close every day? This lively panel session brings together a group of experienced volunteers and school administrators for an open, honest conversation about what it really takes to mentor well. With a mix of pre-submitted questions and live Q&A, you’ll have the chance to get real answers to the questions on your mind, hear perspectives from both sides of the partnership and walk away with practical insights you can put to work at your very next session.
Location: Clayton Oasis & Zoom
50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Speakers: Tutors & Admins
Admins: Amy Ruzicka (Bayless), Jason Sefrit (St. Charles)
Read the Science: A Guide to the Five Pillars of Literacy | 9 a.m. Pacific Time, 10 a.m. Mountain Time, 11 a.m. Central Time, 12 p.m. Eastern Time
Behind every child who learns to love reading is a foundation built on five essential pillars, and this session is your guide to all of them. We’ll take the science of reading out of the research journals and bring it to life in a way that’s practical, engaging and easy to understand. From phonemic awareness to comprehension, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how young readers develop, why each pillar matters and how your weekly sessions are already contributing to that foundation in powerful ways. Science has never felt so personal or so inspiring.
Location: Clayton Oasis & Zoom
50 Gay Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Speakers: Kim Sult
Kim Sult is an experienced educator and instructional leader with over 25 years of experience supporting students and teachers. Her career spans roles as an elementary classroom teacher, special education teacher, and district leader all centered on literacy, curriculum design, and inclusive learning environments.
Currently serving as the Director of Elementary Instruction with the Northwest R-I School District, Kim coordinates district curriculum, the gifted program, after-school literacy tutoring, the Oasis intergenerational tutoring program, and new-teacher support. She holds a Master’s in Elementary Reading & Literacy from Walden University and a Special Education background from the University of Missouri.
Kim believes that strong relationships are at the heart of effective education, and she remains passionate about creating learning environments where every student can succeed.
New Books Coming this Fall!
We have a wide variety of great books coming to Tutor Power this fall! Get ready to explore new stories, spark meaningful conversations, and discover exciting learning opportunities. Check out some of the great reads coming soon by viewing the list below.
Digital versions of session plans and materials will be available on Tutor Power. These can be downloaded and printed for easy access. If you need access to use Tutor Power, please contact your Oasis Coordinator.
A Sneak Peak of Books Coming this Fall
We have a wide variety of great books coming to Tutor Power this fall! Get ready to explore new stories, spark meaningful conversations, and discover exciting learning opportunities. Check out some of the great reads coming soon by viewing the list below.
Digital versions of session plans and materials will be available on Tutor Power. These can be downloaded and printed for easy access. If you need access to use Tutor Power, please contact your Oasis Coordinator.
A Sneak Peak of Books Coming this Fall
We have a wide variety of great books coming to Tutor Power this fall! Get ready to explore new stories, spark meaningful conversations, and discover exciting learning opportunities. Check out some of the great reads coming soon by viewing the list below.
Digital versions of session plans and materials will be available on Tutor Power. These can be downloaded and printed for easy access. If you need access to use Tutor Power, please contact your Oasis Coordinator.
Share Your Story & Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear from you! Share a tutoring success story or even a reflection on your volunteer experience with us. Submissions may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
We also invite you to respond to this edition’s themed question: What is one strategy, activity, or resource that has helped you connect with your student? Share your answer in a few sentences. Selected responses will be featured in our next newsletter to inspire fellow tutors!
Please email responses and stories to Kate Buemi at [email protected]
In the News
Oasis Tutoring recently celebrated the opening of a new tutoring library designed to create more opportunities for young readers across the St. Louis region!
Made possible by a youth literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the library gives volunteer tutors access to high-quality books, lesson materials, and educational resources tailored to students’ reading levels and interests.
Nearly 100 guests joined us for the celebration, including Oasis tutors, founder Marylen Mann, the Dollar General team, and members of the Greater North County Chamber.
“The tutor library represents much more than just books and resources. Everything available here provides an opportunity to change a student’s life,” Marylen shared at the event.
The library is located at Oasis’ Northwest Plaza office (500 NW Plaza, Suite 425) and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and is available for all tutors in the St. Louis Region.
The new library is another way Oasis supports the meaningful connections at the heart of intergenerational tutoring. A recent Town&Style feature, “Learning Across Generations,” also highlighted how Oasis tutors are making a difference for students through one-on-one relationships that build academic skills, confidence, and connection.
In the News
Oasis Tutoring recently celebrated the opening of a new tutoring library designed to create more opportunities for young readers across the St. Louis region!
Made possible by a youth literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the library gives volunteer tutors access to high-quality books, lesson materials, and educational resources tailored to students’ reading levels and interests.
Nearly 100 guests joined us for the celebration, including Oasis tutors, founder Marylen Mann, the Dollar General team, and members of the Greater North County Chamber.
“The tutor library represents much more than just books and resources. Everything available here provides an opportunity to change a student’s life,” Marylen shared at the event.
The library is located at Oasis’ Northwest Plaza office (500 NW Plaza, Suite 425) and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and is available for all tutors in the St. Louis Region.
The new library is another way Oasis supports the meaningful connections at the heart of intergenerational tutoring. A recent Town&Style feature, “Learning Across Generations,” also highlighted how Oasis tutors are making a difference for students through one-on-one relationships that build academic skills, confidence, and connection.
In the News
Oasis Tutoring recently celebrated the opening of a new tutoring library designed to create more opportunities for young readers across the St. Louis region!
Made possible by a $112,000 youth literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the library gives volunteer tutors access to high-quality books, lesson materials, and educational resources tailored to students’ reading levels and interests.
Nearly 100 guests joined us for the celebration, including Oasis tutors, founder Marylen Mann, the Dollar General team, and members of the Greater North County Chamber.
“The tutor library represents much more than just books and resources. Everything available here provides an opportunity to change a student’s life,” Marylen shared at the event.
Thank you to everyone who joined us! The library is located at Oasis’ Northwest Plaza office (500 NW Plaza, Suite 425) and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and is available for all tutors in the St. Louis Region.