Orton-Gillingham Training
Learn how to deliver structured reading, spelling, and writing instruction supported by the science of reading.
The Reading Center has been a leader in Orton-Gillingham training for more than 70 years. Since our founding in 1951, licensed teachers, paraprofessionals, home educators, parents, and even grandparents have taken our training courses, which equip trainees to provide effective instruction to struggling readers of all kinds. The Orton-Gillingham approach, as taught by highly qualified Reading Center instructors, employs comprehensive, proven reading instruction with an intensive practicum to prepare the learner for immediate use with students. During Institute, participants will learn the approach, the structure of the English language, and apply what's been learned by planning and teaching actual lessons with students. Orton-Gillingham, which is a more thorough version of structured literacy, is a structured approach to instruction and is in-line with the science of reading.
What sets our Institute apart from other structured literacy trainings?
Basic Orton-gillingham training opportunities:
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Begins July 9, 2025 and runs through July 31, 2025. Trainees have the option of attending training at either our Rochester, MN location or our Woodbury, MN location.
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Begins August 25, 2025 and runs through November 16, 2025. Trainees will be responsible for finding their own Practicum Students - see “Steps to Enroll in Online Training” on the right side of this page for more information as to how to do so.
advanced orton-gillingham training opportunities:
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Begins June 11, 2025 and runs through June 26, 2025. Sessions will be held only at our location in Rochester, MN. Contact us to confirm whether you are eligible for this training.
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Begins August 25, 2025 and runs through November 2, 2025. You will be responsible for finding your own Practicum Student. Contact us to confirm your eligibility for this training.
“I wish it was an obligation for every teacher to take this course.”
Orton-Gillingham Training options
BASIC TRAINING (equips trainees to work with students in grades 1-4)
July 9 - 31, 2025 (in-person). Registration open now! (Registration links: Rochester & Woodbury.) $2,595 (Minnesota resident) / $2,795 (out of state tuition). Course materials are provided.
August 25 - November 16, 2025 (online). Registration open now! $3,270 (Minnesota resident) / $3,470 (out of state tuition). Trainees purchases course materials separately.
Register now to unlock the power of the Orton-Gillingham approach!
ADVANCED TRAINING (equips trainees to work with students grades 5-adult. prerequisite: basic training)
June 11 - 26, 2025 (in-person). Registration open now. $3,195 (Minnesota resident) / $3,395 (out of state tuition).
August 25 - November 2, 2025 (online). Registration open now.$3,195 (Minnesota resident) / $3,395 (out of state tuition).
Our Training Program is Accredited by:
“[This course] has revolutionized the way I look at, think about, and teach the English language. I have learned a method that will benefit every student I teach.
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Steps to enroll in online training:
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Register online to save your seat in the training! Seats are limited and may fill quickly.
By default, you will pay the course fee at registration. If you need a different payment arrangement, contact the program assistant at janderbeck@thereadingcenter.org for help prior to registering.
You do not need to have a Practicum Student arranged prior registering; however, if you do, that is wonderful!
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For online trainings, trainees are responsible for finding their own Practicum Students.
How to find a Practicum Student? Ask around your networks to find a student struggling with reading in your area. Perhaps you have a struggling neighborhood child, friend’s child, or a student from your classroom or caseload who could really benefit from receiving O-G instruction during the school day.
Tips when identifying a Practicum Student from your area:
· Choose a student who exhibits difficulties in reading and spelling but does not have significant issues with behavior or focus.
· The student should be somewhere between 2nd and 4th grade and not a close relative, such as your son or daughter.
· Make sure that the student can be available for twelve hour-long Practicum sessions (most likely twice a week for six weeks). Practicum times are typically scheduled during the school day. In our experience, school districts and tutoring centers are generally willing to allow teachers time during the school day to participate in the Practicum experience. Make sure that your schedule works with that of the student.
· Remember that many parents of struggling readers will jump at the chance for their child to receive twelve free reading lessons supervised by an experienced instructor.
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After you register, you will receive more information on the materials and setup you will need to arrange. You will also be assigned a Practicum Instructor, who will serve as your knowledgeable guide throughout this course.
“[This course] profoundly shaped my approach to literacy education.”
steps to enroll in in-person training:
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Register online to save your seat in the training! Seats are limited and may fill quickly.
If you will be taking the Basic course, you can choose between Rochester and Woodbury for its location. Be sure to register for the course in the location that best suits you.
By default, you will pay the course fee at registration. If you need a different payment arrangement, contact the program assistant at janderbeck@thereadingcenter.org for help prior to registering.
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If you’re taking Basic Institute, your main prerequisite is to take the Orton-Gillingham Academy’s 10-hour introduction course. The fee for this is included in the fee for Basic training. You will be sent access details upon registration.
If you are taking Advanced Institute, you may need to take the above introduction course (consult the program assistant to find out if this applies to you). You will also have a prerequisite task related to building your Orton-Gillingham vocabulary.
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If you’re from out of town, prepare for your stay. You will receive more information closer to the date of the training!
“I took LETRS training, and then took Orton Gillingham training from The Reading Center. LETRS taught me why SOR was necessary for teaching new readers, but OG taught me how to integrate it into my teaching practice. I put my OG training to use every day.”