Get Involved

The OEF Volunteers are integral to both teachers and students. Volunteers help in the classroom on a regular or an occasional basis. Below are some examples of volunteer needs:

• Classroom aide
• Preparing teaching materials
• Providing bilingual help for students who may be struggling
• Library or clerical help

The OEF provides tutors to supplement classroom learning at all levels. In addition to helping the students with subject matter, the tutor can become a role model and instill confidence. In order to assure the safety of our students, the Oxford Area School District requires clearances; the OEF will pay any fees.

The OEF provides mentors to students of all ages. A Mentor does not assume the role of a teacher or parent; a mentor is an adult friend who fosters a one-on-one relationship with a student. Activities might include talking about the student’s interests or playing a learning game with younger students. Goals of the mentoring relationship include:

• Improving the student’s self-confidence
• Encouraging the student to do their best in the classroom

OEF CARES is a  database that has been created whereby people in our community can share their expertise and provide resources with teachers by email, phone, or a classroom visit. Teachers often have to cover a wide range of subject material, and their experience, research, and text books can provide a good foundation for their classroom presentations.   There may be cases when additional information is sought.   Members of the community have a wide range of education, work experience, and other interests.   The Foundation seeks volunteers to be guest speakers and email pen-pals with teachers, similar to “phone a friend” on a popular game show.  The goal is to help students make connections between careers and the classroom, thereby expanding their thinking beyond the classroom.  People with specialized knowledge, experience, and skill can easily support the students in this manner.

The areas that can be helpful to the faculty include:

1. Knowledge of science, mathematics, and engineering
2. Experience in government
3. Knowledge of local history
4. Experience in the Armed Services
5. Experience in travel to other parts of the U.S, and other countries
6. Experience in written, visual arts, or performing arts
7. Witness to or experience with significant historical events
8. Unique collections
9. Other specialized interests

The manner by which the knowledge and experience of community members is conveyed to a teacher will be determined by agreement of the community member and the teacher.   Expected methods are telephone, email, or in person.  In addition, the community member might deliver a classroom presentation.

This program is for contact between a community member and a teacher.  It is not for unmonitored contact between a community member and students, therefore a background check of the community member is not required.