Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors
serving Boston, MA
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Award-Winning Orton Gillingham Tutors serving Boston, MA
Certified Tutor
8+ years
My name is Emily and I have been teaching elementary grades for 6 years and tutoring for 5. I am a lifelong learner and reading and writing are my passion!
Montclair State University
AM

Certified Tutor
7+ years
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...
Johns Hopkins University
AM
Vassar College
AM
Certified Tutor
5+ years
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 d...
Monash University
MSW
Certified Tutor
5+ years
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 tr...
McDaniel College
AM
York College
AM
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Julie Fe
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 lea...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Aaron
I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...
The University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Duke University
Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Mimi
I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...
Harvard University
Masters in Education, Education
Dartmouth College
B.A.
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Nina
I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...
Columbia University
Masters in biostatistics
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)
Columbia University in the City of New York
Current Grad Student, Biostatistics
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...
Harvard University
PHD, Education
Wesleyan University
Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Clara
I am tutoring I tend to ask my students to try to "teach" me concepts they are struggling with, or walk me through a problem that is challenging them, so that any conceptual mistakes or assumptions they are making become clear. In addition, I am a firm believer in never providing the answer to a spe...
Stanford University
Bachelors, Psychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Orton Gillingham method is a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that teaches phonics systematically through direct instruction. It's particularly effective for students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties because it emphasizes the connection between letters and sounds, breaking reading into manageable, sequential steps.
This method engages multiple senses—students see letters, hear sounds, and physically write them—which strengthens neural pathways for reading. Rather than relying on sight words or guessing from context, students learn the underlying code of language, building confidence and independence as readers.
Classroom instruction in Boston's 32 schools typically follows whole-group pacing and mixed instructional approaches, which may not address the specific needs of struggling readers. Orton Gillingham tutoring provides personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your student's learning profile, moving at their pace rather than a class schedule.
Tutors trained in Orton Gillingham use a diagnostic approach to identify exactly where a student's reading breaks down, then build systematically from that point. This targeted intervention, combined with multisensory techniques and frequent practice with immediate feedback, often produces faster progress than classroom reading groups alone.
Orton Gillingham instruction can begin as early as kindergarten for prevention, but it's most commonly used for students in grades 1-3 who show early signs of reading difficulty, and for older students with dyslexia or significant reading gaps. There's no upper age limit—many middle and high school students benefit from explicit phonics instruction if they've struggled with foundational skills.
The key is identifying reading difficulties early. Students in Boston with early reading gaps benefit most from intervention in grades 1-2, though tutoring at any age can still produce meaningful improvement. A tutor can assess your child's current reading level and determine the best starting point.
Most students show noticeable improvement in phonetic decoding skills within 4-8 weeks of consistent 2-3x weekly sessions, depending on the severity of their reading difficulty and starting level. More significant progress in fluency, comprehension, and reading confidence typically emerges over 3-6 months of regular instruction.
Progress varies based on factors like frequency of sessions, consistency of practice at home, and how long the student has struggled with reading. Students with dyslexia or severe reading delays may need longer-term support, but the structured nature of Orton Gillingham means progress is measurable and often accelerates once foundational skills solidify.
Parents are essential partners in Orton Gillingham success. Tutors typically assign practice activities—often 10-15 minutes daily—that reinforce what's taught in sessions. These activities might include reviewing letter-sound correspondences, practicing decoding with word lists, or reading decodable texts aligned with what the student has learned.
Regular communication between tutor and parent helps reinforce strategies at home and keeps you informed of progress. Many students also benefit from encouragement and celebrating small wins, since children with reading difficulties often develop negative feelings about reading. Your involvement signals to your child that reading is important and achievable.
Look for tutors who have formal training and certification in the Orton Gillingham method. Many tutors complete structured programs through organizations that specialize in this methodology, and they can explain their training background. When connecting with a tutor, ask about their experience with your child's specific age and reading level.
Varsity Tutors can connect you with expert tutors in Boston trained in Orton Gillingham. The matching process considers your student's needs, learning style, and your preferences for instruction, ensuring a good fit. You can discuss qualifications, approach, and expectations before beginning sessions.
Most students benefit from 2-3 sessions per week for meaningful progress, though frequency can be adjusted based on your schedule and budget. Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes. The overall time commitment depends on your child's starting level and goals—some students need 6 months of consistent support, while others benefit from longer-term instruction.
Pricing varies based on tutor experience and location within Boston, but you can discuss rates and session packages directly with tutors. Many families find that the targeted, efficient nature of Orton Gillingham instruction means faster progress than other tutoring approaches, making it a strong investment in your child's reading foundation.
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