Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Philadelphia, PA
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia Tutors
Related Learning Differences Tutors in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
Orton Gillingham is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that breaks down language into its foundational components—sounds, letter patterns, and syllable structures. It's particularly effective for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties because it teaches phonics explicitly and systematically, helping students understand the connection between letters and sounds rather than relying on guessing or memorization. Many students who haven't responded to traditional classroom instruction see significant progress with this method.
While some Philadelphia schools incorporate structured literacy approaches, Orton Gillingham is not universally taught across the district's 422 schools. With an average student-teacher ratio of 14.4:1, classroom teachers often lack the time for the intensive, individualized instruction that Orton Gillingham requires. Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring allows students to progress at their own pace with focused attention on their specific reading challenges.
During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific challenges (such as difficulty with phoneme awareness, decoding, or fluency), and discuss learning history and goals. This evaluation helps the tutor create a personalized lesson plan that aligns with Orton Gillingham principles while addressing your student's unique needs. You'll leave with a clear understanding of where your student stands and what to expect moving forward.
Orton Gillingham can benefit students from early elementary through high school and beyond, depending on their reading level and needs. It's never too early to address reading difficulties—intervention in grades K-2 often prevents larger gaps later—but older students also benefit significantly from this structured approach, especially if they've struggled with reading for years. A tutor can assess whether Orton Gillingham is the right fit for your student regardless of age.
In a classroom of 20+ students, reading instruction must move at an average pace, which often leaves struggling readers behind. Orton Gillingham tutoring is completely individualized—the tutor adjusts lesson speed, reviews concepts as needed, and uses multisensory techniques tailored to how your student learns best. This personalized approach typically accelerates progress because every minute of instruction targets your student's specific gaps rather than a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Many students show noticeable progress within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially in phonemic awareness and decoding skills. However, the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty, the student's starting point, and tutoring frequency. Regular practice between sessions and parent involvement accelerate results. Your tutor will track progress through assessments and reading samples so you can see concrete improvement over time.
Look for tutors with specialized training in Orton Gillingham methodology—ideally certification from an accredited program like the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) or equivalent training. Beyond certification, experienced tutors understand how to diagnose specific reading issues, adapt instruction to different learning styles, and track measurable progress. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Philadelphia who have the credentials and experience to support your student's reading journey.
While Orton Gillingham was originally developed to help students with dyslexia, it benefits any student who struggles with reading—including those with general reading delays, difficulty with phonics, or weak decoding skills. The structured, explicit approach works well for students who haven't responded to typical classroom instruction. If your student is falling behind in reading for any reason, Orton Gillingham tutoring is worth exploring.
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.