Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Training - Horizon Academy

Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Training

Gabi Guillory Welsh, Horizon Academy’s Fellow-in-Training (FIT) will teach this class under the supervision of Janet George, M.S., M.ED, an Accredited Training Fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy. This training is a comprehensive class that advances the understanding of specific procedures of the O-G Approach and the underlying principles in teaching reading, spelling, and vocabulary. Teachers learn the principles of teaching students diagnosed with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities to unlock the code of reading and spelling.

This class is intended for the general educators. Reading specialists should seek out Associate level training.

The class addresses:

  • Dyslexia and related brain research
  • General history and structure of the English language
  • Phonological awareness
  • Sound/symbol relationships for reading and spelling
  • Six syllable types and ways to divide words into syllables
  • Introductory Anglo-Saxon morphology (word parts)
  • Spelling rules and generalizations
  • “Learned” or Non-phonetic words (“Red” Words)
  • Scope/sequence and lesson planning
  • Teaching strategies for small groups and classrooms

O-G Classroom Educator (OGCE/OGA) Practicum

The practicum following training includes:

  • Five video observations of a small group (2+ students) and virtual feedback meetings with the Fellow or FIT
  • Readings assigned by the Fellow

The practicum provides guidance during the practical application of the coursework. In order to become an Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator, the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) requires a minimum of 50 hours of supervised classroom or group instruction using the O-G Approach over the course of a minimum of 8 months. During the practicum, five observations are completed by a Fellow or Fellow-in-Training, in addition to the completion of some assigned readings. This level of membership prepares a teacher for implementing the O-G Approach within a classroom or group, but not one-on-one tutoring. Horizon Academy strongly encourages those individuals who plan to present themselves as O-G tutors or interventionists to have this practical experience, thus the practicum and observations are included in the price.

Orton Gillingham Classroom Educator

30-Hour Course

Course Dates

Where: Horizon Academy

June 10 – 14, 2024

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CST

Price: $1,500 plus $100 for materials.

$200 non-refundable application fee due with application.

The cost of training includes coursework, practicum observations, training manual, card deck, and course supplies.

This training will be held in person at Horizon Academy or virtually.

*Participants are required to provide their own office supplies.

*Local residents are expected to attend in person.


Please note the coursework and practicum experience for this certification are demanding. A bachelor’s degree is required to participate in this training.

For more information regarding levels of certification, see the Academy website, www.ortonacademy.org. If a Classroom Educator wishes to pursue Associate level certification by the Academy, all coursework and practicum training may be applied to the Associate training requirements. Additional fees and practicum hours are required for this certification.