Orton-Gillingham Training

Free training in the Orton-Gillingham method, evidence-based strategies to support students with reading difficulties, is available for Massachusetts educators currently working in grades K-3! Applications will open in late April 2026 for summer and fall cohorts. Educators who complete this course will receive a certificate of completion.

What is Orton-Gillingham?

Orton-Gillingham is a highly structured approach that breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, and then building on these skills over time. It was the first approach to use explicit, direct, sequential, systematic, multi-sensory instruction to teach reading, which is not only effective for all students but essential for teaching students with dyslexia (via IMSE’s website).

What is IMSE?

IMSE’s mission is to empower districts, schools, teachers, and parents to be agents of change toward equitable literacy instruction for all learners that is driven by research.

This is accomplished through intellectual conversations driven by data to design and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices. IMSE fosters relationships to help shift a school’s culture to be equitable for all by providing resources for all and advocating for students to all stakeholders. We believe that all students can learn, and all teachers can learn to teach them (via IMSE’s website).

Course Dates, Times, and Requirements:

In partnership with the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) we are offering three virtual live cohorts, two for summer and one for fall. If accepted, you will be invited to the training which will occur over Zoom for 10 sessions. Each session will be 3 hours of training with an embedded 15-minute break totaling 30 hours.

Summer Sessions

Fall Session

The two summer cohorts will be offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:30pm – 4:45pm.

Dates:
July 7, 8, 9
July 14, 15, 16
July 21, 22, 23, 28

The fall cohort will be offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00pm – 7:15 pm.

Dates:
Oct 13 & 15
Oct 27 & 29
Nov 10 & 12
Nov 17 & 19
Dec 1 & 3

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Licensed Reading Specialists and Special Education teachers who are currently working in grades K-3 in a Massachusetts public school.
Must be able to commit to attending all sessions and completing the course in full before applying.

Priority Enrollment Given To:

Application received in the first 48 hours
Educators who are employed by:
- Turnaround Schools
- Statewide System of Support
- an LEA with a minimum high needs student population percentage of 55%
- an LEA with a rating of Needs Improvement on the SEPP list

How To Apply

When applications open, interested educators can submit a short application using a form that will be linked below. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Educator Information including prior relevant training and Massachusetts Educator License Number.
District/School Leader Endorsement for commitment to support implementing learning back in the school/LEA and confirming employment/position. Download the form here.

Apply Now

Orton-Gillingham FAQs

If you have a question that is not answered below, please email institutes@hillforliteracy.com.

I am not currently working in grades K-3. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. This opportunity is only for educators currently working in grades K-3. Educators in other grades are not eligible and we are unable to make exceptions to this requirement.

Will we receive credits or PDPs once we complete the Orton-Gillingham training?

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from IMSE and the ability to apply for their 9-month certification pathway, if desired. Participants can also earn 45 MA PDPs: https://learn.imse.com/massachusetts-literacy. In addition, 2 graduate credits can be purchased through IMSE’s two approved programs upon successful completion of the course.

Does this course include a practicum?

No, this offering from Literacy Launch Institutes includes the Orton-Gillingham Plus course and certificate of completion only.

I am not a licensed reading specialist or special education teacher. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. This opportunity is only for licensed reading specialists and special education teachers currently working in grades K-3. Educators in other roles are not eligible and we are unable to make exceptions to this requirement.

Can participants say they are certified after completing this training?

No. They can say they’re IMSE Orton-Gillingham trained.

Do I need to work with a student for this training?

No, this opportunity includes the Orton-Gillingham Plus course only, not the practicum.

Contact Us

About

Literacy Launch Institutes are presented by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and HILL for Literacy, in collaboration with:

Quick Links

Sign Up For Our Email List

Receive information and updates on upcoming Literacy Launch Institutes and opportunities.