Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Grand Rapids, MI
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Grand Rapids
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 emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, and the systematic relationship between letters and sounds. Unlike traditional classroom reading methods that often use whole-word or mixed approaches, Orton Gillingham teaches students to decode words explicitly and sequentially, making it especially effective for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties. The method engages multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—to help students build stronger neural pathways for reading and spelling.
Orton Gillingham is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia, reading delays, or phonological processing difficulties, but it also works well for any student who struggles with decoding, spelling, or reading fluency. Students who haven't responded well to traditional classroom instruction often see significant progress with this structured, explicit approach. Even advanced readers can benefit from the systematic skill-building and confidence boost that comes from understanding the underlying rules of language.
In a classroom setting with an average student-teacher ratio of 17.7:1 in Grand Rapids, teachers have limited time to provide individualized feedback on each student's specific reading challenges. Personalized 1-on-1 Orton Gillingham instruction allows tutors to move at your child's pace, target their exact weak points, and adjust the sequence of lessons based on their learning style. This tailored approach typically produces faster progress and stronger retention than classroom-based programs, especially for students with reading difficulties.
Your first session typically includes an assessment of your child's current reading level, phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and any specific challenges they're experiencing. The tutor will ask about their reading history, what strategies have or haven't worked, and what your goals are. Based on this information, the tutor will create a personalized plan and begin introducing foundational Orton Gillingham concepts, ensuring your child feels comfortable and understands the approach before moving forward.
Many students show noticeable improvements in decoding and confidence within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline varies based on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. More significant gains in fluency and comprehension typically emerge over 3-6 months as foundational skills strengthen. Consistency is key—students who engage in regular practice between sessions and attend tutoring 2-3 times per week generally see faster, more sustainable progress.
Orton Gillingham is a research-backed reading methodology that complements most school curricula, whether your child's school uses balanced literacy, guided reading, or other approaches. The systematic phonics foundation from Orton Gillingham strengthens skills across all reading programs. Your tutor can coordinate with classroom teachers when helpful and ensure that tutoring supports and reinforces what's being taught at school, creating a cohesive learning experience.
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors trained in Orton Gillingham methodology who work with students throughout Grand Rapids. When you reach out, you can specify your child's needs and reading level, and we'll match them with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your situation. Look for tutors with formal Orton Gillingham training, experience working with students at your child's level, and a track record of helping students improve their reading skills.
Orton Gillingham tutoring rates vary based on the tutor's experience and credentials, but you can expect personalized 1-on-1 instruction to be an investment in your child's foundational reading skills. Most families see the best results with 2-3 sessions per week, though frequency can be adjusted based on your budget and your child's needs. Contact Varsity Tutors for specific pricing information and to discuss a tutoring plan that fits your situation.
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