Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Harrisburg, PA
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Harrisburg
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 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.
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.
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 Harrisburg Tutors
Related Learning Differences Tutors in Harrisburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Orton Gillingham is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that teaches phonics systematically and explicitly. It's particularly effective for students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties because it breaks down the sound-symbol relationships of English in a logical sequence, allowing students to build strong foundational skills. The method engages multiple senses—students see, hear, say, and write letters and sounds—which strengthens neural pathways and improves retention and decoding skills.
Orton Gillingham tutoring provides personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your student's specific reading level and learning pace, whereas classroom instruction in Harrisburg's 11 school districts typically serves 15-20+ students at varying levels. A tutor using Orton Gillingham can diagnose exactly where your student struggles—whether with letter sounds, blending, or decoding multisyllabic words—and target those gaps directly. This individualized approach allows students to progress at their own speed without falling further behind or being held back by the group.
Students with dyslexia, phonological awareness deficits, or slow reading fluency see the most dramatic improvements with Orton Gillingham. However, any student who struggles with decoding, spelling, or reading comprehension can benefit from this structured, explicit approach. It's also effective for English language learners who need clear, systematic instruction in phonics and sound patterns.
Most students begin to show measurable progress in decoding and phonemic awareness within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. Significant improvements in fluency and comprehension often emerge over 3-6 months of regular instruction. Consistency is key—students who meet 2-3 times per week typically progress faster than those with sporadic sessions.
Orton Gillingham is effective for students from early elementary through high school and beyond. Early intervention in grades K-2 can prevent reading difficulties from becoming entrenched, but students of any age can benefit from catching up on foundational phonics skills they may have missed. Even middle and high school students who struggle with reading can make significant gains when they finally receive explicit, systematic instruction in how letters and sounds work.
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Orton Gillingham instruction and understand the specific needs of Harrisburg students. When you reach out, you can request a tutor with Orton Gillingham certification or extensive training in this method. During your first session, the tutor will assess your student's reading level and create a personalized plan based on Orton Gillingham principles.
Orton Gillingham is a foundational approach to reading instruction that complements most school curricula. It doesn't conflict with classroom learning; instead, it strengthens the phonetic and decoding skills that underpin all reading programs. A tutor can coordinate with your student's school to ensure tutoring supports and reinforces what's being taught in class, while filling in gaps in foundational skills.
The first session focuses on assessment and rapport-building. The tutor will evaluate your student's current reading level, phonemic awareness, letter-sound knowledge, and any specific challenges through observation and informal assessment. Based on these findings, the tutor will explain how Orton Gillingham works and outline a personalized learning plan. Actual instruction typically begins in session two, starting with foundational skills and building systematically from there.
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.