As a teacher of over ten years and a tutor for over six, I want to best help my students succeed, especially when it comes to helping them be successful readers. Studies have shown that a structured literacy approach to teaching reading is highly effective, particularly for struggling readers and those with dyslexia.

After meeting a very bright student in my third-grade class and helping her obtain a diagnosis of dyslexia, I wanted to learn more about effective approaches to help struggling readers. This led me to learn more about the Orton-Gillingham approach and obtaining a scholarship to help offset the costs for the Classroom Educator and Associate Level Training.

I now want to further my education by becoming certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach, which will require extensive study, lesson planning, and observations from my trainer. The money will go towards paying my trainer to provide me with helpful feedback for my lessons, and towards purchasing useful training books and materials. The practicum requires ten observations from my trainer, which will cost a total of $1500. Any additional funds will be used to purchase other materials. Your support of any amount is greatly appreciated!

I am confident that implementing this approach will significantly help my students who struggle with their reading. I look forward to the day when I can say that I'm officially certified in Orton-Gillingham.