General Questions
What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multisensory, and evidence-based approach to teaching reading and spelling. While it emphasizes explicit phonics instruction, it goes beyond that—teaching students how language works at the phonemic, syllabic, and morphemic levels. OG helps students decode, encode, comprehend, and process written language systematically, making it especially effective for those with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
How is Orton-Gillingham different from other reading programs?
Unlike traditional reading programs, OG is diagnostic and prescriptive—meaning lessons are customized based on a student’s individual needs. It also relies on multisensory techniques (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile) to reinforce learning, which is essential for struggling readers.
Why Choose Empowered Readers for OG Training?
Not all OG training is created equal. Many programs offer surface-level instruction, a rigid curriculum, or theory without application. But at Empowered Readers, we go beyond just teaching the basics—we equip you with the skills to truly understand, diagnose, and respond to the needs of your students.
Here’s what sets our training apart:
1. You’ll Learn the Full OG Approach—Not Just a Curriculum
Some programs follow a set scope and sequence, but Orton-Gillingham instruction is diagnostic and prescriptive—meaning you adjust to the needs of your students in real time. That’s what we teach you how to do. You won’t just learn what to teach; you’ll learn why it works and how to adapt it to different learners.
Whether you’re working within a structured curriculum or building lessons from scratch, this training will give you the skills to enhance, adapt, and supplement any program—ensuring that your instruction meets the needs of every student.
2. You’re Learning from One of the Few OGA Fellows—With a LETRS Background
Grace Sharma is an Accredited Training Fellow with the Orton-Gillingham Academy—a distinction that requires years of intensive training, mentorship, and real-world application. She’s also a National LETRS Trainer, meaning she deeply understands both the Science of Reading and its direct classroom application.
3. This Training is Hands-On and Immediately Applicable
Many of us never got the right theory in the first place—and that’s the problem. Teacher prep programs often leave major gaps in our understanding of how reading actually works, so we were sent into classrooms without the full picture. That’s why this training provides both: the research you should have learned in college, plus the hands-on strategies you need to apply it.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of why OG works, grounded in the Science of Reading, while also learning how to use it effectively in whole-class, small-group, and one-on-one settings. This balance of research and practice ensures you’re not just following a method—you truly understand it and can adapt it to meet your students’ needs.
That’s why our training is:
✔ Interactive – Live instruction with real-time application, not just passive learning.
✔ Practical – You’ll leave each session with tools you can use the next day.
✔ Designed for Whole-Class, Small-Group, and 1:1 Instruction – So no matter your role, you’ll know exactly how to apply OG in your setting.
4. We Don’t Just Teach OG—We Teach You How to Teach OG
Many programs give you scripted lessons. That’s not what we do. We give you the knowledge and confidence to adapt OG to any student, in any setting—whether you’re working in a classroom, intervention program, or private practice.
At the end of this training, you won’t just know about OG. You’ll know how to teach reading the right way—without relying on a script.
If you’re serious about mastering structured literacy and making a real impact on students who struggle to read, this is the training that will get you there.
Orton-Gillingham Training for Educators
Who is this training for?
Our OG training is designed for:
- Classroom teachers who want to improve their structured literacy instruction
- Reading specialists & interventionists looking for evidence-based methods
- Tutors & private educators seeking structured literacy certification
- School administrators & literacy coaches who want to implement OG at scale
- Parents & homeschool educators who want to provide their children with research-backed reading instruction
What’s the difference between Classroom Educator and Associate Level training?
Both Classroom Educator and Associate Level training cover the principles of Orton-Gillingham, but they differ in depth and certification requirements:
- Classroom Educator Training provides a strong foundation in OG and is designed for teachers using OG in whole class or group settings. However, it’s not intended for tier 2 or 3 instruction or one-on-one tutoring. You can complete the training on its own, or you can choose to pursue a practicum to earn Classroom Educator certification through the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA).
- Associate Level Training is a deeper dive into OG, preparing educators to work in classroom, small group, and one-on-one settings. Like Classroom Educator, you can complete just the training, or you can pursue a practicum to earn Associate Level certification through OGA.
One level is not a prerequisite for the other—you can enroll in either training based on your instructional needs and goals.
No practicum is required to take either training, but it is necessary if you want to become OGA-certified at that level. More information here.
Why Should You Do a Practicum?
You don’t know what you don’t know—until you have the chance to apply what you’ve learned with expert feedback.
Taking an OG training gives you the foundation, but the practicum is where you refine your skills and truly learn how to provide effective, individualized instruction. With one-on-one support, coaching, and real-world application, you’ll:
✔ Learn how to respond to student needs in real time
✔ Get personalized feedback to strengthen your instruction
✔ Develop confidence and fluency in applying OG effectively
✔ Build the skills to adapt and refine lessons based on student progress
A practicum isn’t just about meeting certification requirements—it’s about becoming the best educator you can be for your students.
Can I get certified in Orton-Gillingham through this training?
Yes. Our training meets the requirements for Classroom Educator or Associate Level certification through OGA. To become certified, you’ll need to complete a practicum after training (available for an additional cost).
Once I complete Associate, can I move on to Certified level coursework and certification?
Yes, but Certified Level training and practicum are only available to those who have previously trained with me. This ensures continuity in your learning and allows me to provide the highest level of mentorship as you advance in your OG practice. If you’ve completed Associate Level with me and are interested in moving forward, we can discuss the next steps for Certified Level training.
Is this training approved for CERI certification through IDA?
Yes. Our coursework and practicums meet the prerequisite requirements for the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Dyslexia Certification through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
I’ve Already Trained in a Structured Literacy Program Like Wilson, Lindamood-Bell, LETRS, etc. Should I Take OG Now?
Yes! You can build on what you’ve already learned to become more diagnostic and prescriptive in your instruction. While structured literacy programs provide a strong foundation, OG training deepens your ability to individualize instruction based on student needs, making your teaching more effective and efficient.
Can I take this training if I don’t work in a school?
Yes. Many tutors, private educators, and homeschool parents take our training to learn OG strategies for teaching students one-on-one. Others enroll simply to gain a deeper understanding of how their child thinks and learns, equipping them with the knowledge to better support their education at home.
Tutoring & Student Support
How do I know if my child needs Orton-Gillingham tutoring?
If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, grammar, and written instruction, OG tutoring can help. Signs your child may benefit include:
- Difficulty sounding out words (decoding)
- Trouble remembering spelling patterns
- Slow, choppy reading (lack of fluency)
- Poor reading comprehension, despite strong verbal skills
- Difficulty keeping up with the demands of school, even if they can express ideas verbally
- Struggles with writing, including organizing thoughts, forming sentences, and spelling accurately
Is online OG tutoring as effective as in-person?
Yes. Our online OG tutoring is highly interactive, using live video, digital whiteboards, and multisensory techniques to keep students engaged. Many students progress just as quickly online as they do in person.
However, online learning isn’t the right fit for everyone. If you’re unsure whether online tutoring is the best option for your child, we’re happy to discuss their needs and help determine the best learning environment for them.
My Child Hated Online School During COVID, So I Don’t Think Online Is an Option.
We hear this concern a lot, but online learning can look very different depending on the approach. Unlike the large-group, often passive experience many students had during COVID, our online OG tutoring is one-on-one and fully interactive, designed specifically to meet your child’s needs.
Because lessons are tailored, hands-on, and engaging, many students who struggled with online school actually thrive in our virtual sessions. However, every child is different—if you’re unsure, we’re happy to discuss whether online tutoring is the right fit for your child.
How often are tutoring sessions?
Most students attend two sessions per week on non-consecutive days, which is the minimum recommended for OG to be effective. Some students with more significant reading difficulties may benefit from three to five sessions per week.
At what age should my child start OG tutoring?
OG instruction is beneficial for students of all ages, as long as they can focus during lessons. The earlier, the better—intervening as soon as a child shows signs of reading difficulty can prevent years of struggle.
Logistics & Next Steps
How do I sign up for OG training?
Visit our Training Page to see upcoming courses and register. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
How do I enroll my child in tutoring?
Start by scheduling a consult so we can evaluate your child’s reading needs and create a personalized learning plan.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans may be available for OG training and tutoring services. Contact us for details.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. Contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.