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) Training (Associate Part 1)
The OGCE / Associate Part 1) training of 35 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. Equal emphasis is provided on decoding for reading and encoding for spelling and writing for a wholistic approach.
Topics in this training include: Reading Acquisition (Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension); Structure of the English Language (intro to linguistics); OG approach and lesson plan.
After fulfilling all requirements, each participant will receive a certificate of completion for the training hours.
Trainees may continue their OG learning by choosing one of the following:
1) Classroom Educator Practicum: This a total of 50 hours of supervised teaching, with five submitted observations. Following this, an application to OGA at the Classroom Educator Level can be submitted.
2) Associate Part 2: This training includes further learning on the OG Approach, teaching of literacy, and the dyslexic profile so trainees have the skills to teach 1:1 in a special education / remedial setting. The Classroom Educator Practicum is not a requirement. It is customary to take Associate Part 1 and Associate Part 2 with the same Fellow.
Upcoming Classroom Educator Trainings
Spring 2025
-Tuesdays (6:00pm- 8:30pm EST): March 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22.
-Saturdays (8:00am- 3:30pm EST): March 22, April 12.
-Includes an additional six hours of asynchronous tasks.
Summer 2025
-July 21, 22, 23, 24 (Mon-Thurs)- 8:00am-4:30pm EST.
-Includes an additional three hours of asynchronous tasks.
Application - Registration - Payment
To apply for a session:
- Fill out the Application for the desired session (links below).
- Email completed Application.
- Send non-refundable deposit of $100 CAD 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:
-Spring / Summer Sessions: $1,125 CAD + HST