Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
I want to become a dyslexia tutor. Which training level is right for me?
For most practitioners, Associate Level is the recommended starting point. Associate-Level training prepares practitioners to provide individualized, diagnostic, and prescriptive instruction for struggling readers of all ages, including individuals with dyslexia. It is designed for one-to-one and small-group instruction. If your goal is to provide classroom literacy instruction or support small groups within a general education classroom, the Classroom Educator level may be appropriate.
What is The Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA)?
The Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) is the professional organization that establishes the standards for training and certification in the Orton-Gillingham Approach. The Academy does not provide training directly. Instead, all coursework and supervised practicum experiences are completed under the guidance of an Academy Fellow or Fellow-in-Training (FIT) who is approved to teach the Academy curriculum.
Who is Orton-Gillingham training for?
OGA training is designed for educators, reading specialists, interventionists, tutors, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, therapists, and others who want to provide structured literacy instruction using the Orton-Gillingham Approach.
Is Classroom Educator training required before Associate-Level training?
No. Classroom Educator certification is not a prerequisite for Associate-Level training. Educators who plan to work directly with struggling readers or individuals with dyslexia may begin with the Associate level.
Coursework
Is OGA training self-paced?
No. OGA-approved training is not self-paced. Every training program includes required live (synchronous) instruction with an Academy Fellow or Fellow-in-Training. Many programs also include asynchronous assignments such as readings, videos, lesson planning, quizzes, and independent study between class sessions. While these assignments may be completed independently, participants progress through the curriculum according to the course schedule established by the Fellow.
Can I complete the entire program online?
Many Academy Fellows offer programs that can be completed entirely online, including coursework, supervision, and practicum observations. Because each Fellow independently designs and delivers their training program, be sure to verify the instructional format before enrolling.
What will I learn in the Associate-Level course?
Associate-Level training provides a comprehensive understanding of the Orton-Gillingham Approach and prepares practitioners to provide individualized literacy instruction. Areas of study include: Reading acquisition; Dyslexia and current research; The Orton-Gillingham Approach; Phonological and phonemic awareness; Phonics and word structure; Reading fluency; Vocabulary and semantics; Listening and reading comprehension; Handwriting; Syntax and discourse; History of the English language; Basic morphology; Formal and informal assessment; Lesson planning; Professional ethics.
How many hours of coursework are required?
Classroom Educator: Minimum of 30 hours of coursework. Associate: Minimum of 70 hours of coursework. All coursework is completed with an Academy Fellow or Fellow-in-Training under the supervision of an Academy Fellow.
Practicum
What is the practicum?
The practicum is the supervised teaching portion of your training. During the practicum, you teach a student using the Orton-Gillingham Approach while receiving coaching, observations, and feedback from an Academy Fellow or Fellow-in-Training. The practicum allows you to apply your coursework while developing confidence as a practitioner.
When do I begin my practicum?
The practicum should begin within four months of completing your coursework. Many Fellows begin planning the practicum before coursework ends so participants can transition smoothly into supervised teaching.
What are the practicum requirements?
Classroom Educator: Minimum of 50 supervised lessons completed over at least eight consecutive months, with five formal observations (which can be done virtually). Associate: Minimum of 100 supervised lessons completed over at least eight consecutive months, with ten formal observations (which can be done virtually). These minimum requirements are established by The Orton-Gillingham Academy.
What does a typical practicum week look like?
Most trainees teach one practicum student at least two times each week, prepare lesson plans, collect student data, reflect on instruction, and meet with their supervising Fellow to receive feedback (not weekly, but at least 10 times throughout practicum for Associates and 5 times for Classroom Educator).
Do I need to find my own practicum student?
Usually, yes. Most trainees secure a practicum student through their school or professional network. Your Fellow will help determine whether your practicum placement meets Academy requirements.
Can practicum observations be completed online?
Yes. Many Fellows conduct observations remotely through unedited video recordings or live virtual instruction. Some Fellows also conduct observations in person.
What happens after I complete my practicum?
Once you have successfully completed your coursework and practicum requirements, your Fellow will guide you through the process of applying to The Orton-Gillingham Academy for certification.
Tuition and Certification
What does tuition include?
Each Academy Fellow establishes their own tuition and payment structure. Some OGA Fellows will charge coursework and practicum separately. When comparing costs between different OGA Fellows, inquire as to whether their tuition includes the practicum and what that will cost. The Fellows of the Collective Hive include the practicum and coursework in the tuition.
What are the Academy application and membership fees?
Application fees and annual membership dues are established by The Orton-Gillingham Academy and are separate from tuition charged by individual Fellows. Current Academy fees are published by OGA at ortonacademy.org and may change.
Do I continue paying Academy dues after certification?
To maintain active membership with The Orton-Gillingham Academy, annual membership dues are required after your initial year of membership.
Choosing a Fellow
Do all Academy Fellows teach the same curriculum?
Yes. All Academy Fellows teach the curriculum established by The Orton-Gillingham Academy and follow the Academy's certification requirements and professional standards. However, Fellows may differ in course schedule, tuition, cohort size, delivery format (online, in-person, or hybrid), teaching style, materials provided, practicum support, supervision model, and payment plans.
How do I choose the right Fellow?
When comparing training programs, consider online, hybrid, or in-person instruction; cohort start dates; tuition and payment options; class size; practicum support; supervision schedule; mentoring style; and availability of ongoing professional development. Every Fellow brings unique experience and expertise while teaching the Academy's required curriculum.
Still have questions?
Each Fellow in our collective offers a unique training experience while following the standards established by The Orton-Gillingham Academy. If you have questions about a particular training program, we encourage you to contact the Fellow directly.