Advanced Orton-Gillingham Training Institute

The Advanced Training Institute builds on foundational concepts introduced in the Basic Training Institute, adding skills that will enable the educator to provide Educational Therapy beyond the introductory grades. It applies the same Orton-Gillingham Approach targeting the specific needs of older students and adults. The Reading Center arranges the students working with trainees during the practicum portion of the course.

Prerequisite: Trainees interested in Advanced Training Institute must have successfully completed The Reading Center’s Basic Training Institute (120 hours with student practicum) with at least six months in between trainings.

Note: If you have completed basic training elsewhere and are wondering if you can register for The Reading Center's Advanced Orton-Gillingham Training, please contact Barbara Zelinske, Director of Teacher Training at 507-288-5271 for next steps.  

Certificates from The Reading Center following training

  • Trainees that earn a final course grade of an A – B will receive a certificate that asserts “Trained as an Orton-Gillingham Therapist for students of all ages” 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 Advanced Orton-Gillingham Training.”

Trainees in Advanced Training Institute are provided with:

  • A further study of the philosophy & teaching techniques involved in the Orton-Gillingham Approach applied to teaching skills needed for reading and writing more complex language structure

  • An awareness of dyslexia as it occurs in high school students and adults

  • A continuing focus on all the instructional components essential for working with the older student

  • An opportunity to learn the linguistic structure needed to deal with advanced vocabulary

  • Hands on in-class practice plus plan and teach actual lessons

Trainees successfully completing the Advanced Training Institute with practicum are equipped to begin providing Educational Therapy to struggling students in grade 5 – adult.

Advanced Training is only offered 2x per year.

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 now - stay tuned for updates.

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

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 90 hour course is spread out over 10 weeks, and broken down into 10 modules. This is largely a 1:1 training and trainees will meet regularly online with their 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 Practicum Instructor, 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.