Orton-Gillingham Academy Practicum explained
What is the Practicum?
The Practicum is a supervised mentorship in which you apply the OG Approach with a student over the duration of one hundred tutoring hours. It supports the transition from learning OG concepts to implementing the OG approach and structured literacy over time.
Why is the Practicum required?
Understanding OG principles is essential—but effective literacy instruction requires guided, real-world practice. The Practicum ensures you can apply the science of reading through intentional lesson planning, instructional decision-making, and responsive teaching that meets individual student needs.
How does the Practicum support my growth?
The Practicum functions as an apprenticeship. You receive targeted feedback on instruction, clear next steps, and ongoing support to strengthen fidelity to OG principles while building instructional confidence and flexibility.
Who supervises the Practicum?
The Practicum is supervised by Cheryl Urbanczyk.
Is the Practicum required for OGA membership?
Yes. Successful completion of the Practicum is required for application to the Orton-Gillingham Academy at all membership levels. Requirements vary by level.
Does the Practicum have to be in person?
No. The Practicum can be completed entirely online. Lessons may be recorded and submitted with lesson plans for review. All requirements can be met virtually.
When must the Practicum begin?
Ideally, the Practicum must begin within one year of completing your training.
What is the cost?
-The Practicum is paid per observation, at $200 per submission.
-Starting with the Fall 2026 OG training, the practicum will be $225 per submission. There will also be a $200 consultation payment for feedback and support on the student profile and application process.
Classroom Educator Practicum
The details of the Classroom Educator Practicum are as follows:
-50 total teaching hours over minimum of 8 months.
-Number of observations: 5.
-Teaching: Small group or Classroom.
Associate Level Practicum
The Associate Level Practicum is composed of the following:
-100 total teaching hours over a minimum of 8 months.
-Number of observations: 10.
-Teaching: 1:1 a student who has indications of a language-learning difficulty.