Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Seattle, WA
Orton Gillingham
Tutors in Seattle
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
Orton Gillingham is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that emphasizes the connection between sounds and letter symbols. Unlike traditional classroom reading methods that often rely on sight words and context clues, Orton Gillingham teaches students to decode words systematically by understanding phonetic patterns and syllable structures. This approach is particularly effective for students with dyslexia or those who struggle with phonemic awareness, as it engages multiple senses (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) to reinforce learning.
Orton Gillingham is ideal for students who struggle with decoding, have been diagnosed with dyslexia, or haven't responded well to conventional reading instruction. It's also beneficial for students with attention challenges, language processing difficulties, or those who need explicit, step-by-step instruction in phonics and word structure. Students of any age—from early elementary through high school—can benefit, though the earlier intervention begins, the faster students typically progress.
Seattle's 214 schools follow various reading curricula, and many use balanced literacy or guided reading approaches that may not provide the explicit, systematic phonics instruction some students need. Personalized Orton Gillingham tutoring fills this gap by offering targeted, one-on-one instruction that reinforces foundational skills while working alongside classroom learning. A tutor can also help students apply Orton Gillingham principles to their current classroom texts and assignments, creating a bridge between specialized tutoring and school success.
Your first session will typically include an assessment to understand your student's current reading level, specific challenges, and learning style. The tutor will explain the Orton Gillingham approach, establish goals, and begin introducing foundational concepts like letter-sound relationships and phonemic awareness. You'll also discuss a personalized learning plan and what to expect in upcoming sessions, so there are no surprises.
Many students begin showing noticeable progress in phonemic awareness and decoding within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction. However, the timeline varies depending on the student's starting point, frequency of tutoring, and the severity of their reading challenges. Most students benefit from 1-3 sessions per week, and sustained improvement in fluency and comprehension typically develops over several months of dedicated practice.
Look for tutors who have formal training in the Orton Gillingham method, ideally through an accredited program, and experience working with students who have dyslexia or reading difficulties. Many qualified tutors hold certifications from organizations like the International Dyslexia Association or have specialized training in structured literacy. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Seattle who have the credentials and experience to provide effective, evidence-based instruction.
Consistency is key—practice the specific skills and techniques your tutor introduces during your sessions, typically 15-20 minutes daily. Your tutor will provide guidance on reinforcement activities, such as sound drills, word building exercises, and reading practice with decodable texts. Avoid correcting your student harshly; instead, use the strategies your tutor recommends to maintain a positive, encouraging learning environment at home.
Varsity Tutors connects you with qualified Orton Gillingham tutors in Seattle who match your student's needs and learning goals. Simply tell us about your student's reading challenges and what you're hoping to achieve, and we'll match you with a tutor who has the right expertise and experience. You can start with a single session to see if it's a good fit, with no long-term commitment required.
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