Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Port St. Lucie, FL
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Port St. Lucie
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
DeliveredHours Delivered
ProficiencyGrowth in Proficiency
Who needs tutoring?
No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.
I have been an elementary and middle school teacher for the past 14 years, and enjoy working with all ages of students. My focus over the last few years has been to delve deeply into the science behind learning to read. As a result, I have become a Certified Orton Gillingham Instructor through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE). The Orton Gillingham (OG) approach consists of multi-sensory instruction that is direct, explicit, and systematic. Lessons are based on the individual needs of the student. It has been proven over time to be a very effective way to teach students with reading difficulties, including dyslexia, to read. I look forward to help you or your child experience the joy of learning to read.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cardiff University, and have a Masters in Counseling from Monash University. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy, I am passionate and experienced in using a multi-sensory approach to tutoring students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Having worked in an educational setting for over 11 years in Hong Kong, I am experienced in working with students from kindergarten all the way through to primary school.
I received my degree in Elementary Education from York College of Pennsylvania. I then attended McDaniel College where I received a masters degree in reading and became a Reading Specialist. My love for teaching reading continued and I furthered my education at Mount Saint Mary's University for training in Reading Recovery. I started my career teaching kindergarten and currently am a reading specialist in my school district, where I work one on one and in small groups with struggling readers. My passion is for tutoring early learners to help them gain the skills they need to grow as readers and writers. In my tutoring sessions I love to get to know my learners interests and personalities. I incorporate manipulatives, sight word games, leveled texts, and writing into sessions to make sessions more engaging. I love to build confidence in my learners by focusing on their strengths in order to get the most amount of growth out of my learners. My hobbies include exercise, spending time with my family, and going to the beach.
Hi there! I'm Derek and I'm passionate about helping students like you achieve their goals through engaging, customized learning experiences. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of a subject, improve your grades, or master a particular skill, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. With a PhD in Curriculum Design and Educational Technologies and 17 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to every session. But what sets me apart is my commitment to understanding your unique learning style. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all approachesevery student is different, and I tailor my lessons to meet your individual needs, pace, and interests. I take pride in creating a comfortable, supportive environment where questions are encouraged, and learning is both challenging and fun. I strive to build a rapport with my students, so they not only understand the material but also develop the confidence to apply it in real-world situations. Together, we'll work toward your academic or professional goals, and I'll be there to celebrate every success along the way. If you're ready to take the next step in your learning journey, I'd love to connect with you. Let's create a plan that works for you!
I am a graduate of Bachelor in Elementary Education with a major in Special Education. Currently, I am pursuing my graduate degree in Special Education. I am a licensed teacher, and I have 9 years of teaching experience, both in-person and virtually. I am most interested in helping students with learning difficulties achieve their highest potential. I am fun, creative, and passionate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Orton Gillingham is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that teaches students to recognize letter-sound relationships and decode words systematically. Unlike typical classroom reading methods that may move quickly through content, Orton Gillingham breaks reading into explicit, sequential steps—helping students understand the underlying rules of language rather than memorizing sight words. This approach is particularly effective for students with dyslexia or those who struggle with phonics, as it engages multiple senses (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) to reinforce learning.
Orton Gillingham works well for students with dyslexia, reading disabilities, or those who haven't responded to traditional classroom instruction. It's also valuable for students who reverse letters, struggle with phonemic awareness, or have difficulty blending sounds into words. However, any student—whether they're behind grade level or simply want to strengthen foundational reading skills—can benefit from this systematic, structured approach. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to pace lessons to each student's needs and learning style.
During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific challenges (like letter reversals, blending difficulties, or phonemic awareness gaps), and discuss learning goals. This evaluation helps the tutor create a personalized plan aligned with Orton Gillingham principles. You'll also learn what to expect in upcoming sessions and how the structured, multisensory approach will be tailored to your student's pace and strengths.
Orton Gillingham complements Florida's reading standards by providing explicit, systematic phonics instruction that reinforces classroom learning. While schools in Port St. Lucie follow broader curricula, personalized Orton Gillingham tutoring fills gaps and reinforces foundational skills at your student's own pace. Tutors can coordinate with classroom teachers to ensure instruction supports grade-level expectations—whether your student is in elementary and building phonetic foundations or in upper grades catching up on missed skills.
Many students show noticeable progress in phonemic awareness, letter-sound recognition, and decoding within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, though timelines vary based on the severity of reading challenges and frequency of sessions. More significant improvements in reading fluency and comprehension typically emerge over several months of regular practice. The key is consistency—students who engage with tutoring weekly and practice between sessions see the strongest gains.
Yes. By building strong phonetic foundations and decoding skills, Orton Gillingham tutoring directly supports classroom reading success. Students who understand letter-sound relationships and can decode confidently are better equipped to tackle grade-level texts, participate in reading discussions, and build comprehension skills. Tutors can also help students apply these skills to classroom assignments and reading materials, creating a bridge between personalized instruction and school performance.
Look for tutors with specialized training in Orton Gillingham methodology—ideally those who have completed formal certification or extensive coursework in the approach. Experience working with students who have dyslexia or reading disabilities is valuable, as is familiarity with Florida reading standards. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated expertise in structured literacy instruction and can provide personalized, evidence-based support.
Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week, though frequency depends on the severity of reading challenges and learning goals. Students with significant reading difficulties often see better results with twice-weekly sessions, while others make steady progress with weekly instruction. Your tutor can recommend a schedule based on your student's needs and will adjust as progress develops.
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