Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Charlotte, NC
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Charlotte
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
The Orton Gillingham method is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that teaches students to decode words by understanding the relationship between sounds and letters. It's particularly effective for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties because it breaks reading into systematic, sequential steps rather than relying on sight words or guessing. For students in Charlotte who struggle with phonics or fluency, this method provides a concrete framework that builds confidence and measurable progress.
While Charlotte's 206 schools follow broader reading curricula, Orton Gillingham tutoring offers highly personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to each student's specific reading gaps and learning pace. The method uses a structured, phonetic-first approach with multisensory techniques (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), whereas classroom instruction often covers multiple reading strategies at once. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to focus entirely on your student's needs, providing immediate feedback and adjusting lessons in real time—something that's difficult in a classroom setting with a 16.8:1 student-teacher ratio.
Orton Gillingham is effective for students from elementary through high school, and even adults, though it's most commonly used with students in grades 2-6 who are struggling with foundational reading skills. The method works well for younger students just beginning to decode words, as well as older students who've fallen behind in reading fluency or comprehension. If your Charlotte student is showing signs of reading difficulty—slow decoding, trouble with phonics, or frustration with reading—an assessment can determine whether Orton Gillingham is the right fit, regardless of age.
Yes, the Orton Gillingham method was originally developed to help students with dyslexia and remains one of the most evidence-based approaches for dyslexic readers. However, it's also highly effective for any student who struggles with phonics, decoding, or reading fluency—not just those with a dyslexia diagnosis. Many students in Charlotte benefit from this method simply because they need a more structured, explicit approach to learning how letters and sounds work together.
The first session typically includes an assessment to understand your student's current reading level, specific challenges, and learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with an expert tutor who will review this information and begin with foundational Orton Gillingham principles—often starting with letter-sound relationships and basic decoding exercises. The tutor will also explain the method to your student so they understand the structured approach and what to expect in future sessions.
Many students show noticeable improvement in decoding and phonics skills within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction—though the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. More significant gains in fluency and comprehension typically emerge over 3-6 months of regular tutoring. Consistency is key; students who work with a tutor weekly and practice between sessions tend to progress faster than those with sporadic sessions.
An effective Orton Gillingham tutor should have specialized training in the method itself, ideally through a certified Orton Gillingham program or equivalent reading intervention training. Look for tutors with experience working with struggling readers, familiarity with dyslexia, and a track record of helping students improve decoding and fluency skills. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with tutors who have the expertise and experience to deliver structured, evidence-based Orton Gillingham instruction.
Home practice is essential and typically includes reinforcing letter-sound relationships, practicing decoding exercises, and reading decodable texts that align with the student's current level. The tutor will assign specific activities—such as flashcard drills, writing exercises, or reading passages—designed to reinforce what was learned in the session. Consistent 15-30 minute practice sessions several times a week significantly accelerate progress and help students build automaticity with the skills they're learning.
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