A major part of the Learning Centers’ mission in 15 northern states is to train teachers how to work with children who have been diagnosed with dyslexia. Since 1994 when the first Learning Center was established, over a thousand teachers and other individuals interested in becoming certified Orton-Gillingham tutors have participated in our free training program.
Our program offers free graduate level training for individuals who are interested in receiving initial certification as tutors in the Orton-Gillingham approach. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. Affiliation with Grand Valley State University enables professionals who train as tutors to earn full graduate course credits as well as continuing education credits (with tuition paid by the participant).
Requirements for certification include 45 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised practicum tutoring two children twice a week at the Learning Center. Certification as an Initial Level Orton-Gillingham tutor is earned upon successful completion of the practicum and class work.
We also provide training for advanced certification, available on weekends by webinar and scheduled over a 2-year course with practicum.
Our next Initial Level Tutor Training class will start on January 25, 2011.
To apply for free Orton-Gillingham training , please send the following information:
- Initial Level Training Scholarship Application
- Adult Workers Profile
- A copy of your current resume
- Two letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about your professional work
- A copy of your Bachelor’s degree diploma or transcript showing the date and type of degree awarded
Send all information to:
Katherine Pegman
Learning Center for Children
233 Fulton St. East, 5th Floor
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
A form allowing a criminal background check must be signed and returned (this is usually done at the time of interview).
An in-person interview is required and all paperwork must be completed in order to enroll in a class.