Edison Teaching and Learning Center

Courses are currently full for the summer. Please email Elizabeth Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or check back here for new dates. 

Course Offerings

Edison is pleased to offer three different Orton-Gillingham training courses taught by Elizabeth Johnson, a Fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy. 

Courses are approved by the State of Oregon and available for credit from Portland State University (separate cost). All course goals are provided by the Orton-Gillingham Academy training curriculum, which can be found online at https://www.ortonacademy.org/training-certification/. 

Classroom Educator: (30 hours, prerequisite: Bachelor's degree, $1,000 textbook separate) Online Independent & Live Video Conference. This curriculum leads to a basic understanding of the following elements of Orton-Gillingham instruction.

1. Reading acquisition in all learners and the nature and needs of the dyslexic learner
   • Phonological and phonemic awareness
   • Phonics
   • Reading fluency
   • Vocabulary
   • Reading comprehension
2. The Orton-Gillingham Approach
   • Awareness of the seminal works
   • Brain Research in relation to reading
   • Understanding the difference between an Approach and a scripted program
   • Knowledge of the principles of the instruction and the ability to explain why the principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach are effective
3. Knowledge and structure of the English language
4. Development of the Orton-Gillingham lesson plan for groups or classroom

Click here for practicum information.

Associate: (30 hours, prerequisite: Classroom Educator course $1,000 textbook separate) Online Independent & Live Video Conference.  

• Goal 1: The Associate in training (the trainee) understands the rationale for selecting the Orton-Gillingham Approach for individuals with dyslexia.
• Goal 2: The Associate trainee has knowledge and skill to provide instruction working under the supervision of a Fellow of the Academy.
• Goal 3: The Associate trainee adheres to the Academy’s Code of Ethics and understands the privileges and responsibilities of the Associate member.
  • Trainees will demonstrate understanding of and ability to teach the following instructional topics:
    • Reading acquisition in all learners including the brain basis of reading and the essential components of good reading instruction.
    • Dyslexia
    • The Orton-Gillingham Approach
    • Assessment
    • Lesson plan
    • Adaptation of Orton-Gillingham for classroom instruction

Click here for practicum information.

Certified 1: (50 hours prerequisite: OGA Associate membership, $1,500) Online Independent & Live Video Conference

The Certified curriculum is in addition and in more depth to the topics covered in the Associate level. Trainees are eligible to apply at the Certified level upon completion of the coursework and practicum requirements.

The training curriculum for the Certified level includes the following goals of the Orton-Gillingham Approach.

• Goal 1: The Certified member is able to explain the underlying principles and describe the specific concepts and procedures that set the Orton-Gillingham Approach apart from others.
• Goal 2: The Certified member of the Academy demonstrates the knowledge and skill to provide instruction as an independent Orton-Gillingham practitioner.
• Goal 3: The Certified member adheres to the Academy’s Code of Ethics and understands the privileges and responsibilities of the Certified member.

Instructional topics

• Dyslexia
• The Orton-Gillingham Approach
• Assessment
• Lesson plan

Click here for practicum information.

Registration and Payment

Classes are currently full, please contact Elizabeth Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be added to the waiting list. 

If you have already registered and would like to pay online, please visit edisonhs.plastiq.com (fees may apply). If paying online, please use your last name as the "student ID" number. If you would prefer to pay by check, please send a check payable to Edison High School to 9020 Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225 with the registrant's last name and "OGA" in the memo line. 

Any questions? Reach out to Elizabeth Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..