Why Study Orton-Gillingham for the Classroom?
To Provide Best First Teaching for ALL Students!
"Best first teaching' means that students are receiving evidence-informed instruction based on practices that have demonstrated effectiveness in research. While Dr Orton and Anna Gillingham developed their methods a long time ago, they were definitely ahead of their time. Research in literacy and cognition have validated many aspects the OG approach. There is also a time-tested body of knowledge derived from the success of its practitioners. It is critical that students get 'best first teaching' to build strong literacy skills for future academic work. This also then acts as a 'preventative' by ensuring quality instruction and learning initially, rather than providing remediation and intervention later on.
Definition of Classroom Educator Training
2023 Update from the Orton-Gillingham Academy
Classroom Educator (CE) Level is intended for educators teaching in a general education setting. The CE practitioner is certified by OGA to provide and adapt literacy instruction for the whole class or for small groups needing supplemental support.
-The coursework provides educators with the basic content knowledge of research-based explicit language instruction as well as the delivery of instruction aligned with Orton-Gillingham Principles.
-Students with greater deficits in reading will need more intensive instruction delivered by a practitioner trained at the Associate level or above.
Classroom Educator (CE) Coursework & Practicum
OGCE training (30 hours) provides the necessary theory in the OG approach and lesson plan, as well as a grounding in 'science of reading' and structured literacy. The practical tools and strategies to teach an OG lesson in small groups and/or in the general classroom setting are also included.
Topics in the CE training include: Reading Acquisition (Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension); Structure of the English Language (intro to linguistics); OG approach and lesson plan.
A 'Supervised Practicum' is available if you are interested in applying to the OGA at this level. The Practicum is 50 hours of supervised teaching, with a total of five submitted observations. This involves in-depth review, with feedback, of lesson plans, teaching strategy, and mentoring. It is arranged, at an additional fee, subsequent to the successful completion of the course.
The OGCE level does not prepare trainees for teaching in special education or remedial settings (ex: Tier 2 and above: student with dyslexia or learning disabilities in 1:1 or small groups).
OGCE coursework is considered 'Associate Part 1' and the pre-requisite for Associate Level training. (Note: OGCE Practicum is not a requirement for the Associate Part 2). Completing 'Associate Part 2' provides the additional training required to teach an OG lesson in special education / remedial settings.
Upcoming Classroom Educator Trainings
Important Schedule Notes:
-Time Zone: EST
-All sessions below include an additional three hours of asynchronous tasks.
Fall - 2023
Tuesdays (6:00pm-8:30pm): Sept 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17, 24.
Saturdays (8:00am-2:30pm): Sept 23, Oct 14.
Winter 2023
Tuesdays (6:00-8:30pm): Oct 30; Nov 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec 5.
Saturdays (8:aaam-2:30pm): Nov 4, 18.
Winter 2024
Tuesdays (6:00-8:30pm): Jan 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 20.
Saturdays (8:00am-2:30pm): Jan 20, Feb 10.
Spring 2024
Tuesdays (6:00-8:30pm): March 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
Saturdays (8:00am-2:30pm): April 6, 20.
Application - Registration - Payment
To apply for a session:
- Fill out the Application for the desired session (links below).
- Email completed Application.
- Send the non-refundable deposit of $100 through e-transfer.
- Your application will be reviewed and you will notified regarding its acceptance.
*Note: Further details for application, registration and payment are explained in the 'Application'. Please read them carefully to ensure a complete application.
Training Investment: $1,050 + HST