Orton-Gillingham Training
The training provides a practical understanding of brain research and its connection to the science behind Structured Literacy. Key components—such as phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, handwriting, phonics, syllables and syllable division, spelling rules, fluency, morphology, informal assessments, and a brief history of the English language—are taught explicitly. Participants also engage in hands-on practice to reinforce their learning.
Training is available either in person or live online. In-person sessions take place at a location of your choice. Both options include a training manual and other teacher materials (teacher resource book, three different sets of drill cards), breakout rooms or study groups, and additional resources on Google Classroom.
The Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator course is a 5-day training, while the Associate level training spans 10 days.
Courses
Classroom Educator Level
This level is ideal for teachers working in classroom settings, small groups, or one-on-one within schools. It requires a minimum of 30 hours of training and introduces the principles of the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach. Participants gain the foundational knowledge to deliver OG lessons in classrooms or small-group settings. A practicum is not included but may be arranged upon request after completing the coursework. A 50-hour practicum is required for membership in the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
Associates Level
The Associate level is suited for educators working in schools or providing one-on-one instruction in private settings. Training is typically completed over two 5-day sessions, with a one-week break between. The course includes 70 hours of instruction and builds on the Classroom Educator content, adding instruction in written expression, Greek and Latin morphology, vocabulary, and reading comprehension across all student levels.
Like the Classroom Educator level, a practicum is not included but may be arranged upon request after the coursework. A 100-hour practicum is required for membership in the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
Path to Certification
Both levels of training can lead to certification through the Orton-Gillingham Academy for participants who complete the optional practicum. Training may also qualify for certification with the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) through the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).
Dr. Jaymi Abusham
Senior Director, Elementary Curriculum, Bonita Unified School District (CA)
“Vanessa Silver has provided Orton Gillingham training to our district for three consecutive years. Teachers rave about the training, often reporting that this is the best professional development they have had in years. Most importantly, our students are demonstrating great success, with benchmark data skyrocketing. OG training is a big investment but completely worth the time and cost.”
Ivana Kovacevic
Dean of Teaching and Learning, Polytechnic School, Pasadena, CA
“Ms. Vanessa has been an invaluable partner in advancing our teachers’ professional development with OG training. Her extensive knowledge of the OG approach has had a tremendous impact on our K-5 reading curriculum. She provided expert OG training to all K-5 teachers in person, supervised them during their practicum, and ensured that teachers became OG classroom certified. The results we’ve seen in students' reading and writing performances have been remarkable, and parents have shared how pleased they are with their children’s progress. Beyond her expertise as an OG trainer, Ms. Vanessa was always approachable, supportive, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of our teachers. We are incredibly grateful for the immense value she’s brought to our school.
Clients Include:
Public School Districts:
Baldwin Park USD
Bonita USD
Burbank USD
Franklin-McKinley USD
Fresno USD
Guadalupe Union SD
Las Virgenes USD
Silver Valley USD
Temeula Valley USD