Welcome to the Ozarks Literacy Council Newsroom—your source for the latest updates, press releases, and stories highlighting our work to improve lives through literacy. Here, you’ll find announcements about upcoming events, new initiatives, community partnerships, and the dedicated individuals helping us make a difference across the Ozarks. Stay informed and see how we’re turning the page on low literacy, one story at a time.
Springfield, MO — The Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) is pleased to welcome three new board members: Brook Gipson, Senior Associate Attorney at Rooney McBride & Smith, LLC; Nathan Leonard, Manager of the Maritime Vertical for the Americas at Bender Inc.; and Shelly Burney, former teacher and current volunteer reading tutor
Springfield, MO — Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) is proud to announce the officers of its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term. These dedicated community leaders bring a diverse range of professional experience, skills, and a shared passion for improving lives through reading literacy. Leading the board as President is
First Steps Here are the essential skills for a reader to know first. Know the Alphabet Learn Phonics Memorize Sight Words Sight words are words to learn “by sight,” or memorize, because they are often hard to sound out. Sight words get more difficult per grade level. After learning the
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, MO — The Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Beeson as its new Executive Director, bringing with her a strong background in mission-driven leadership and community engagement, most recently through her work with the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, MO — Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) is proud to introduce the officers of its Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term. These dedicated leaders bring a diverse range of professional experience and a shared commitment to OLC’s mission of improving lives through literacy. Leading the board
David Hersey I have been a volunteer tutor for the Ozark Literacy Council since July of 2016. During this time, I have had the opportunity to tutor two twelve year old boys in reading. After being out of the classroom for over twenty years, it is certainly interesting. In 1990
Continuing the adventure, lost in the crisp flip my imagination savors, elates in this new world. Each turn of phrase — each syllable! — tightens the grip inhaling deeply, noticing even my toes are curled. Who cares about bills, dishes, mowing, or laundry the fate of the universe will soon
The volunteer tutors of OLC are the heartbeat of our mission, doing the incredible work week in and week out of opening the world of words to low-literate friends. In 2016, OLC volunteers contributed almost 5,000 hours of service to the community.
Christmas is an idyllic season, set apart by an increased generosity of spirit and selflessness. (Please, kindly, for the remainder of this post, ignore the greed and selfishness displayed in what has become the most consumeristic of seasons. Less Scrooge. More George Bailey and St. Nick.)
