Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Albuquerque, NM
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Albuquerque
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 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.
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!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Orton Gillingham method is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that's particularly effective for students with dyslexia and reading difficulties. It teaches phonics systematically by connecting letters to sounds through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, helping students build strong foundational skills in decoding and spelling. This method has strong research support and is widely recognized by educators as one of the most effective interventions for struggling readers.
Classroom instruction typically moves at a pace designed for the average student, while Orton Gillingham tutoring is personalized to your child's specific needs and learning speed. Tutors using this method provide one-on-one attention to target gaps in phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding—areas that may be overlooked in a classroom with a 16.9:1 student-teacher ratio like many Albuquerque schools. This individualized approach allows for immediate feedback, repetition, and adjustments that accelerate progress.
While Orton Gillingham is most commonly introduced in elementary grades (K-3), students of any age can benefit—from struggling second graders to high schoolers with undiagnosed reading difficulties. The method is especially effective when started early, but older students often see significant gains because the structured approach addresses foundational gaps that have accumulated over years. A tutor can assess your child's current level and customize instruction accordingly.
Orton Gillingham is designed to help students who struggle with phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, and fluency—common challenges that often lead to reading difficulties and dyslexia. Students who reverse letters, have trouble sounding out words, or read slowly and laboriously typically see the most dramatic improvements. The method also builds confidence by breaking reading into manageable, logical steps rather than relying on guessing or memorization.
The first session typically includes an assessment to evaluate your child's current reading level, phonemic awareness, letter knowledge, and any specific areas of difficulty. The tutor will explain the Orton Gillingham approach, discuss goals, and often introduce the first lesson using the structured, multisensory techniques. This foundation helps the tutor create a customized learning plan and sets expectations for how sessions will progress.
Many students show noticeable progress within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, particularly in phonics and decoding skills. However, the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty, how frequently your child receives instruction, and how much practice happens at home. Most students benefit from 2-3 sessions per week, and tutors will track progress regularly to adjust instruction and celebrate milestones along the way.
Look for tutors who have formal training in the Orton Gillingham method, ideally through an accredited program, and who understand dyslexia and reading science. Many experienced tutors also hold teaching certifications or have specialized training in literacy instruction. When you connect with a tutor through Varsity Tutors, you can ask about their specific credentials and experience with students in Albuquerque who have similar reading challenges.
Home practice is essential to the success of Orton Gillingham instruction—research on learning shows that spaced repetition and consistent practice significantly accelerate skill development. Tutors typically assign brief, focused practice activities (10-15 minutes) that reinforce what was taught in sessions. Regular practice at home not only speeds up progress but also builds your child's independence and confidence as a reader.
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