Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Reno, NV
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Reno
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.
Testimonials
Because the right Orton Gillingham tutor makes all the difference.
Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
Other Reno Tutors
Frequently Asked Questions
The Orton Gillingham method is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that teaches students to decode words by understanding the relationship between letters and sounds. It uses simultaneous multisensory stimulation—engaging sight, sound, and touch—to help students build strong phonetic foundations. This approach is particularly effective for students with dyslexia or those who struggle with traditional reading instruction, as it breaks reading into systematic, sequential steps that build confidence and competence.
Students with dyslexia, reading delays, or difficulty with phonics and decoding benefit significantly from Orton Gillingham instruction. However, any student who struggles with reading—whether due to gaps in foundational skills, inconsistent classroom instruction, or learning differences—can benefit from this structured, multisensory approach. For students in Reno with an average student-teacher ratio of 18.9:1, personalized Orton Gillingham tutoring provides the individualized attention needed to address specific reading challenges that may be overlooked in larger classroom settings.
Personalized Orton Gillingham tutoring is tailored to a student's specific learning pace, strengths, and challenges—rather than following a one-size-fits-all classroom curriculum. Tutors assess where a student is struggling and adjust the sequence and intensity of lessons accordingly, whereas classroom instruction must move at a pace that works for the whole group. This individualized approach allows for deeper practice with difficult concepts, immediate feedback, and the flexibility to use multisensory techniques in ways that work best for each student's learning style.
The first session typically focuses on assessment and building rapport. A tutor will evaluate your student's current reading level, identify specific areas of difficulty (such as letter-sound correspondence, blending, or sight words), and understand their learning preferences. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized instructional plan that targets your student's unique needs and sets clear, measurable goals for improvement.
Many students show noticeable improvements in phonetic awareness and decoding skills within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction—though timelines vary based on the severity of reading difficulties and frequency of tutoring sessions. More significant gains in fluency and comprehension typically develop over several months of regular practice. Consistency is key; students who work with a tutor regularly and practice between sessions tend to see faster, more substantial progress than those with sporadic instruction.
Yes, Orton Gillingham instruction complements Nevada's reading standards by building the foundational phonetic and decoding skills that underpin all reading competencies. The method's structured, sequential approach ensures students master essential skills like letter-sound relationships, blending, and word attack strategies—all critical components of Nevada's literacy expectations. Tutors can coordinate with classroom teachers to ensure tutoring supports and reinforces what students are learning in school.
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Orton Gillingham instruction and understand how to teach reading to students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. When you reach out, you can specify your student's needs and grade level, and we'll match you with a tutor experienced in this structured literacy approach. Look for tutors with formal Orton Gillingham training or certification, as this ensures they understand the method's specific techniques and can implement it effectively.
Absolutely. While Orton Gillingham focuses heavily on decoding and phonetic foundations, once students master these core skills, tutors build toward fluency and comprehension. Strong decoding skills free up mental energy for understanding meaning, making connections, and engaging with more complex texts. Many students find that as their confidence and accuracy in reading improve through Orton Gillingham instruction, their comprehension and enjoyment of reading naturally follow.
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.