Orton-Gillingham Certification: What Parents Really Need to Know (And What Matters Even More)

What Is Orton-Gillingham (OG)?

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a time-tested, research-backed way of teaching reading and spelling that is:

• Structured: Lessons build from simple to complex in an organized, sequential way.
• Multisensory: Students learn using sight, sound, movement, and touch.
• Explicit: Skills are directly taught, not left to be “discovered.”
• Systematic and Diagnostic: Instruction is customized based on how your child responds.

Originally developed for students with dyslexia, OG is now considered an essential foundation for structured literacy, which benefits all struggling readers—not just those with dyslexia.

Does My Child’s Tutor Need to Be OG Certified?

Short answer: No.
What matters more? Deep training, experience, and the right evidence-based approach.

At Brooklyn Letters, many of our literacy specialists are trained in OG-based methods and related programs like:

• Wilson Reading System
• Barton Reading and Spelling System
• Preventing Academic Failure (PAF)

These programs all align with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) standards and the science of reading. They are backed by decades of research and proven to work for students with dyslexia.

In fact, many of our literacy providers are school-based lead interventionists or literacy coordinators, meaning they have hands-on, daily experience adapting instruction to meet diverse student needs.

Why Orton-Gillingham Certification Alone Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

While OG certification can be a helpful credential, it’s important for parents to understand its limitations:

• It doesn’t measure real-world teaching experience.
  Some OG-certified tutors have never worked in a classroom or collaborated with school teams.
• It doesn’t require a graduate degree in literacy or special education.
  Many outstanding tutors hold master’s degrees in special education, literacy instruction, or speech-language pathology—even if they don’t have an OG certificate.
• It doesn’t guarantee a great personal fit for your child.
  Building rapport, motivating a reluctant reader, and tailoring lessons to individual needs are just as important as following a structured curriculum.

At Brooklyn Letters, many of our staff members come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations from teachers, learning specialists, and even school administrators—people who have directly observed their skill and effectiveness.

What You Should REALLY Look for in a Reading Tutor

When evaluating a tutor or literacy specialist, focus on:

✅ Deep structured literacy training (OG-based or equivalent)
✅ Hands-on experience supporting students with dyslexia
✅ Use of research-backed programs like Wilson, Barton, or PAF
✅ Ability to adjust instruction based on your child’s needs
✅ Strong recommendations from trusted educational professionals
✅ Warmth, patience, and the ability to build a relationship with your child

How Our Ebook Insights Expand This Perspective

Based on our new ebook, “Understanding Dyslexia,” here’s what else parents should know when choosing support:

• Dyslexia is NOT related to intelligence.
  Brilliant minds like Albert Einstein and countless NASA employees had/have dyslexia. The key is early intervention and targeted instruction, not a specific certificate.
• Structured literacy is the foundation.
  NYC public schools are now shifting to evidence-based programs emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—the five pillars of reading. Programs like OG, Wilson, Barton, and PAF all meet these standards.
• Diagnosis and accommodations matter.
  A private dyslexia diagnosis (through a neuropsychological evaluation) can open doors to additional supports both privately and in public school systems. Early screening and intervention lead to the best outcomes.
• Multisensory instruction boosts engagement.
  Combining structured literacy with multisensory activities (using touch, movement, sight, and sound) helps students stay motivated and enhances learning retention.
• The “perfect match” matters.
  Research—and our experience—show that a supportive relationship between tutor and student dramatically improves confidence, engagement, and literacy outcomes.
  

In Summary

OG certification can certainly be a positive credential, but it’s not the only thing—or even the most important thing—you should base your decision on.

At Brooklyn Letters, we focus on what truly makes a difference: experienced, well-trained, compassionate educators who use structured literacy methods and personalized instruction to help your child thrive.

📞 Interested in learning more?
Contact Brooklyn Letters today for a free consultation and let’s find the right support for your child’s reading journey.

👉 Schedule a Free Consultation
📧 [email protected]
📞 347-394-3485