This 35-hour (4-day) Classroom Educator course is designed for those interested in learning about the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach for use in group or classroom settings. Trainees will learn about the OG approach, neurobiology of dyslexia, reading acquisition, the structure of the English language, phonology, spelling rules, syllable types, and syllable division patterns. It contains the basic content necessary to teach K-2 tier 1 and tier 2 instruction. There will be 28 hours of synchronous (live) and 7 hours of asynchronous (independent) work. The course follows the curriculum and guidelines of the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) and can also be applied towards certification with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). 

Trainees will receive a certificate of completion for the coursework hours completed. Upon completion of the course, trainees may continue on to an optional 50-hour practicum with a small group (at an additional cost). They can only achieve OGA certification by completing all Academy requirements, including a practicum experience. For teachers who hold a NY teaching certificate, CTLE hours can be provided because Kim Nau is an approved New York State CTLE sponsor.

The OGCE level training is designed for classroom teachers who provide Tier I or Tier II instruction or classroom teachers and support staff such as reading specialists who provide Tier II intervention to students at a strategic level. This is not for special educators providing services to special education students. The coursework is also appropriate for anyone who just wants to learn more about the OG approach.

In order to be considered OG trained by the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), both the coursework and the practicum must be completed and approval must be attained through OGA acceptance. 

The Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator is qualified to apply the principles of the OG Approach to modify and provide literacy instruction for the classroom or small groups. Once the practicum is complete and the application is approved by the OGA, trainees are Certified at the Classroom Educator Level by the OGA.

If you're interested in the practicum, here are the requirements:

• 50 hours minimum supervised practicum 
• Occur over a minimum of 8 months, with at least 5 months being consecutive. The practicum should begin 2-3 months after completion of the coursework. Kim Nau requires 8- 15 months for completion.
• The practicum is completed either in a whole group or small group in a general education settings. Lesson groups are 40-60 minutes, at a minimum of twice a week, on non- consecutive days, or 30-minute lessons four to five times a week. 
•  A minimum of five observations teaching complete lessons to a group (of at least two students) or in a classroom setting; when teaching 30-minute lessons, an observation consists of two consecutive lessons. 
• *There is an additional cost to participate in the practicum. This fee is paid when each observation is submitted. The fee includes: reviewing the recording of the video lesson, written feedback, and a Zoom meeting to discuss progress.

Trainees are eligible to apply at the OGCE level upon completion of the coursework and practicum requirements, assigned readings, a recommendation from the Fellow, and a second recommendation from someone familiar with your work. 

Individuals who want to apply to the OGA must have a B.A. degree. 

There is a separate application fee of $120 required by the Orton-Gillingham Academy. This is paid once the practicum and all of the requirements are complete. There are also yearly dues of $90. The first year dues are included in the application fee.