Orton-Gillingham Training and Certification: The BEST Options
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If you’re considering getting trained or certified in Orton-Gillingham (AKA Structured Literacy), then you’re at the right place! We’ll explore what you’ll need to consider for OG training or certification, explaining the differences between these terms and the best training and certification options out there.
🤷♀️ What is Orton Gillingham?
✏️ Orton Gillingham is not a program, but it is a methodology that is direct, sequential, and multisensory.
✏️ This approach is over 100 years old and highly effective to teach ALL learners, including those with reading disabilities and dyslexia.
Structured literacy is the more current term that is widely used. It is rooted in the body of research referred to as The Science of Reading, and is the key to ensuring that ALL children are literate.
Decades of research show that structured, explicit, systematic, multisensory instruction is what is best to help all students be successful readers.
👉🏽Bottom Line: Structured literacy is the BEST and most effective approach to literacy instruction.
Many great training programs are now offered to ensure that you are able to teach all of the essential components of structured literacy. They are sure to transform the way you teach!
But with so many programs out there, it can be confusing to figure out what is best. So we’re making it easy to understand so you can be informed before choosing the option that fits your needs!
👩🏫 OG Training or Certification: What’s the Difference?
There are varying levels of requirements and depth of knowledge involved in whether you ‘have training’ or are ‘certified’ in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach.
- OG Training introduces the concepts of the OG method to participants. Training usually provides an overview of the approach and includes the basic knowledge to implement best practices with your students.
- OG Certification will make you an expert. You will understand the theory and methods in a deep and informative way. Through coursework and supervised practicums, you will develop mastery and can work to gain various certifications, including CERI certification.
👌 Which Option is Best For You?
In order to determine which option is best, you’ll need to consider your future goals and reasons for wanting to pursue training or certification.
OG Training is best for parents, classroom teachers, and other professionals wanting to learn more about structured literacy.
OG training will provide you with a great introduction to structured literacy using a multisensory approach. You will have the basic knowledge to implement best practices and advocate for your children/students. Everyone who teaches literacy should have training in structured literacy.
OG Certification is best for teachers, tutors, and other professionals who want to become experts in the field of structured literacy.
This includes classroom teachers, those who want to pursue private tutoring opportunities, jobs in administration or at the division level, or those looking to become dyslexia interventionists or dyslexia specialists.
🏫 Thinking about certification and want to learn more? Read our post about “How to Get OG Certified.” Katie discusses her experience to become a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS) and shares what you need to know about how to get OG certified.
No matter what option you choose, it will be a significant commitment. But it will be worth it to help ensure you have the knowledge and tools to teach structured literacy effectively.
🔟 Top 10 BEST Options for OG Certification
Below is a comprehensive list of independent training programs that are approved and accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and offer certifications from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
These programs have been vetted to ensure knowledge and practice that align with Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS).
- Orton-Gillingham Academy (Formally AOGPE) (OGA)
With many options available, you can receive credentials as a classroom educator, an associate level, or a certified level. They also include many fabulous resources and training options for parents.
AOGPE is different from other organizations because the training is done by Fellows of the Academy. Because you work under a fellow, you get outstanding training that is personalized throughout your coursework and practicum. - Nehaus Education Center (NEC)
They offer two programs, the Online Certification Preparation for Dyslexia Specialists and Specialist Preparation Program (SPP). The dyslexia specialist is a rigorous two-year program that ensures you are truly an expert. Here is a helpful 2-minute program overview of the OCPDS.
The Specialist program offers two levels of certification. SPP Level 1 practitioner program leads to certification from ALTA as a Certified Academic Language Practitioner. SPP Level 2 specialist leads to certification from ALTA as a Certified Academic Language Therapist. - The Apple Group for Dyslexia
The Apple Group offers training for teachers, interventionists, therapists, school administrators, and parents.
They offer various courses and trainings with an impressive program that boasts of 100% pass rate on the KPEERI exam. - Wilson Language Training – (WLT)
A 3-day introductory course is required. Then, two certification levels are offered and a supervised practicum is included.
Level 1 prepares you to become a Wilson® Dyslexia Practioner and Level 2 prepares you to become a Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist. Both are excellent options. - The International Multisensory Structured Literacy Education Council (IMSLEC)
This organization specializes in preparing dyslexia teachers and therapists. They have four tracks of study that includes teaching, instructor of teaching, therapy, or instructor of therapy. These tracks can take anywhere from 9 months to three years. - AIM Institute for Learning and Research (AIM Pathways)
AIM PATHWAYS™ provides easy-to-access, online courses. It was a gold award winner in 2020 in the Science of Learning Category at the Reimagine Education Conference.
They offer four courses: Pathways to Proficient Writing, Pathways to Proficient Reading, Pathways to Literacy Leadership, and Pathways to Structured Literacy: The Orton-Gillingham Approach. - LEXIA Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
This training includes 8 units and offers flexible training options. These units are developed by leading experts in the Science of Reading like Dr. Lousia Moats, Dr. Carol Tolman, and Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson.
Those who have gone through this program rave about it, but also don’t shy away from the time commitment it takes. - Edwards Orton-Gillingham (Edwards OG)
Designed for individuals aiming to become fully certified dyslexia practitioners, they offer advanced courses that will enable teachers to apply the Orton-Gillingham Approach across various educational settings and age groups.
They offer four levels of practicums, with each level offering a different CERI certification (and OGA certification, too!) - Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE)
IMSE provides comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training available in person and in a remote format that is convenient for teachers’ schedules.
Three main courses are offered: IMSE Impact Comprehensive Plus Training (30 hours), IMSE Impact Morphology Plus training (30 hours), and IMSE Phonological Awareness Training (12.5 hours). After completing the Phonological Awareness and one other Plus trainings, you can apply for a practicum that results in certification. - Lexercise (Lexercise) –
Lexercise offers three professional education courses in the Science of Reading. The courses are online and self-paced. Read about our experience taking Course 1: The Structure of Written English (Yes – Katie and Laura both took this course!)
And as Course 3 graduate, Katie earned her OG certification and then started her own therapy group to help struggling readers.
Important: While completion of these programs is a significant step toward certification, all candidates will need to pass the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) and meet other criteria set by CERI.
This list is updated yearly based on current accreditation status. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult directly with CERI and the respective training programs.
🙌🏾 FREE OG Training Option
If you’re just learning about structured literacy, we suggest Really Great Reading.
They provide FREE virtual training with a great overview of the Science of Reading. They also include tons of free resources, webinars and PDs, and lesson plans.
And another plus is that they don’t spam your email trying to sell products. They’re really in it to inform parents and educators and provide tools for struggling readers!
REED Charitable Foundation offers Teacher University. Each month they review best practices and strategies that align with the OG method. You can sign up and receive access to watch all of their past webinars, too!
You can also increase your own knowledge by reading research-backed books on topics related to the Science of Reading.
❓ FAQ
It depends on the program and level of training you receive. Some basic level trainings can be only a few hours. Other intensive trainings can be anywhere from 30 to 100+ hours. Practicums and other supervised experiences can add a significant amount of time as well.
Yes! Keep these words in mind: What doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you. OG training will ultimately make you a more informed and educated teacher, ensuring that you are implementing research-based practices with your students. Katie’s experience getting OG Certified was one of the best things she’s ever done. If she can do it, you can too!
And remember who will benefit most- the many precious children who you will teach over the years! Even if you only help ONE child become literate, you are forever changing a life.
The work is intense and requires a considerable amount of time. Not only is coursework involved, but supervised practicums and passing certain tests are required for certification.
It varies from program to program. It can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
👍 Tip: Look for funding, grants, and training scholarships. Many are available through your school district, your state’s department of education, or other in-house scholarship offerings. I have had four trainings paid for myself (IMSE and AOGPE), so the opportunities are out there!
One of the best ways to learn about structured literacy is through the Facebook group The Science of Reading: What I Should Have Learning in College. It’s a fabulous group with tons of resources. You’ll find 160,000+ parents and educators who are all on their journey to learn and share about the Science of Reading. You can also join Literacy Learn’s Facebook group: SOR – Free Resources and Helpful Information.
Conclusion
We are encouraged by the many educators who, like us, are on this journey to expand their knowledge base to grow into the best educators possible.
Ultimately, understanding the Science of Reading and teaching in accordance with research-based practices will help ensure all students become literate.
With so many options (and acronyms) out there, we hope this information helped you understand the options for Orton-Gillingham training and certification.
We suggest taking this list and using it as a springboard as you research the best option for you!
Hi,
I am from PS 376 in Brooklyn. I am inquiring about the trainings for Orton gillingham. Can you send me a quote for the cost per person to attend a training and if you are a contracted vendor for the DOE, so that I can present this to my principal, thank you. please send me the information.
Hi Gladys,
It’s exciting that your administration wants to support you in OG training. Our top suggestion is Lexercise! They have top-notch training options for teachers. Best of luck!
Katie & Laura