Basic Orton-Gillingham Training Institute
Since 1951, licensed teachers (regular education, special education, ELL, reading, speech/language, and Title 1), paraprofessionals, home educators, parents, and even grandparents have taken our training courses, which are designed to help those who struggle unexpectedly learning to read, write, and spell.
To meet the needs of our diverse trainees we offer this course is two formats: entirely online and entirely in Rochester, MN
The Orton-Gillingham Approach, as taught by highly qualified Reading Center instructors, employs comprehensive, scientifically based reading instruction. During the Institutes, participants will learn the approach, the structure of the English language, and apply what's been learned by planning and teaching actual lessons. The training is intense but extremely valuable and life changing. Allow time in your schedule for a training of this magnitude.
Certificates from The Reading Center following training
Trainees that earn a final course grade of A – B will receive a certificate that asserts “Trained as an Orton-Gillingham Therapist for students up to 5th grade level” plus a certificate indicating the number of clock hours earned.
Trainees that earn a final course grade of C – D will receive a clock hours certificate indicating they “Completed The Reading Center’s Basic Orton-Gillingham Training.”
Trainees in Basic Training Institute are provided with:
An awareness of visual & auditory drills
An opportunity to begin to learn the basic phonetic / linguistic structure of English
Hands on in class practice, plus planning and teaching actual lessons with a student
Trainees successfully completing Basic Training Institute (with practicum) are equipped to begin providing this approach with struggling students in grades 1-5.
This is a 120 hour course that includes supervised practicum with a student. The Reading Center will arrange students for trainees.
“I wish it was an obligation for every teacher to take this course.”
“This training has been very enriching, positive, and inspiring. I can’t wait to use my new knowledge.”
“I feel such a sense of relief that I no longer have to guess my way through different interventions and impersonalized programs without knowing how effective it will be to help the child.”
Orton-Gillingham Academy Accreditation
As of July 2021, Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) requires that online Orton-Gillingham training have a specified number of Fellow-led synchronous hours for trainees who wish to pursue OGA certifications. It is for this reason that we now have two training tracks available. We are updating this information - expect more details soon!
Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy
Please view our withdrawal and cancellation policy here.
Certificate of Completion
A certificate of successful completion will be presented to those who satisfactorily complete required course work and pass the examinations.
Graduate Credits
Graduate credits are available through Minnesota State University - Moorhead. You must have a four year degree in order to apply for graduate credits. Graduate course credit is in addition to course tuition and is the responsibility of the student. Six credits are available for an additional fee to the university.
In-person Training
The Summer Institute (3.5 weeks in June meets Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm. Please see individual class registration pages for specific course dates. The Reading Center will arrange the practicum student.
Online Training
Our online training is the same high-quality, Academy accredited program with a national reputation. The 120 hour course is spread out over 12 weeks, and broken down into 12 modules. This is largely a 1:1 training and trainees will meet regularly online with a Practicum Instructor throughout the course. Online trainees print their own materials from work or home.
Student Practicum
During the Reading Center’s online training, each trainee will experience a virtual practicum in which three individuals will be on the computer at one time. This includes Trainee, assigned Reading Center Master Teacher, and assigned Reading Center Practicum Student. The virtual practicum will take place using the WebEx platform. All practicum students are secured by The Reading Center.
Technology
Minimum technology requirements for online training with virtual practicum include: headset, desktop/laptop with camera and microphone, high speed reliable internet connection, and printer. For online training without virtual practicum, you will need the previously mentioned technology requirements plus video recording equipment for practicum sessions. Please note a Windows-based computer is preferred over a MAC when using WebEx software.