Literacy
Build the reading instruction your students deserve. Our Orton‑Gillingham Academy–accredited training equips educators to use a curriculum‑agnostic approach that is both diagnostic and prescriptive, beginning with Tier 1 and building expertise through Tier 3.
A Complete Pathway, Grounded in Research
The Southport CoLAB offers a full continuum of Orton-Gillingham (OG) training, from foundational classroom literacy instruction through clinical specialization in dyslexia and complex learner profiles.
The Southport CoLAB offers a full continuum of Orton-Gillingham (OG) training, from foundational classroom literacy instruction through clinical specialization in dyslexia and complex learner profiles.
Each course pairs evidence-based structured literacy content with supervised practicum mentorship from an accredited OG Fellow, so educators move confidently from coursework to certification.
Three Pathways. One Continuum.
Whether you're a classroom teacher strengthening core literacy instruction, an interventionist supporting struggling readers, or a specialist working with dyslexia and complex profiles, there is a pathway designed for your role.
- Tier 1 — OG Teacher: Foundational structured literacy instruction for classroom teachers. Leads to OGA Classroom Educator certification and may serve as Associate Part 1.
- Tier 2 — OG Interventionist: Advanced diagnostic-prescriptive instruction for educators delivering one-to-one and small-group intervention. Leads to OGA Associate certification.
- Tier 3 — OG Specialist: Clinical specialization in dyslexia and complex learner profiles. Leads to OGA Certified/Clinical certification.
Why train with The Southport CoLAB?
- OGA-accredited coursework and practica at every level
- Personalized mentorship and feedback from accredited OG Fellows
- Flexible delivery: open enrollment cohorts or district-customized programs, offered virtually or in-person
- A clear pathway from foundational training through clinical certification
Literacy Solutions and Services
- CoLAB OG TEACHER Course & Practicum
- CoLAB OG INTERVENTIONIST Course & Practicum
- CoLAB OG SPECIALIST Courses & Practicum
- Orton-Gillingham Academy Application Support
- Orton-Gillingham Continuing Education Credits
CoLAB OG TEACHER Course & Practicum
CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy Course
OGA Equivalent: Classroom Educator/Associate - Part 1 Coursework
Transform your literacy instruction. This foundational course equips classroom teachers to deliver explicit, multisensory, evidence-based reading instruction that every student can benefit from.
Time to complete course: 36 hours
Pricing
Pricing
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Open Enrollment: $1,595/person
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Customized Cohort $35,000/up to 25 virtual participants
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Customized Cohort $40,000/up to 25 in-person participants
CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy Course provides essential, foundational training in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach for teachers seeking to strengthen literacy instruction across general education classrooms. Participants learn to implement multisensory, explicit, and systematic instruction grounded in a practical understanding of language structure, reading development, and common reading challenges, including dyslexia.
This course may satisfy the coursework requirements for educators pursuing OGA certification as a Classroom Educator or Associate Part 1. The Accredited Training Fellow will tailor coursework to the participants' needs.
Format
- Open Enrollment: 36 hours, delivered virtually as a 5-day intensive or as 12 three-hour sessions across 10 months
- District: 36 hours, delivered virtually or in person on a mutually agreed-upon schedule, with timing adjusted to fit your school's needs
Outcomes
Participants gain the ability to design and deliver individualized OG lessons for students in small-group or whole-classroom settings.
Participants gain the ability to design and deliver individualized OG lessons for students in small-group or whole-classroom settings.
CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy Practicum
OGA Equivalent: Classroom Educator Practicum
Put your training into practice — with an expert in your corner. Refine your structured literacy teaching through real classroom instruction and personalized feedback from an accredited OG Fellow.
Pricing: $2,750/person
CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy Practicum meets the requirements for the OGA Classroom Educator Practicum, providing trainees with supervised, hands-on experience teaching OG lessons in classroom or small-group settings. Direct coaching and feedback from an accredited OG Fellow helps educators apply their training effectively and refine their instructional skills in real-world contexts.
Teachers working in schools may complete the practicum within their home school environments; teachers in private practice may complete it at their own teaching sites.
Format
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50 OG lessons completed over a minimum of 8 consecutive months
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5 complete lesson observations submitted live or via unedited video
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5 individualized feedback sessions with your Supervising Fellow
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Optional monthly seminar sessions with other trainees
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Ongoing support throughout the practicum year
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of both the coursework and practicum, candidates are eligible to apply for OGA Classroom Educator certification.
Upon successful completion of both the coursework and practicum, candidates are eligible to apply for OGA Classroom Educator certification.
Prerequisite
Completion of CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy coursework.
Completion of CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy coursework.
CoLAB OG INTERVENTIONIST Course & Practicum
CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Course
OGA Equivalent: Associate Part 2 Coursework
Become the educator your struggling readers need. Deepen your ability to deliver diagnostic-prescriptive intervention for students with dyslexia and significant reading challenges.
Time to complete course: 36 hours
Pricing
- Open Enrollment: $1,595/person
- Customized Cohort $35,000/up to 25 virtual participants
- Customized Cohort $40,000/up to 25 in-person participants
CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Course completes the second half of the OGA Associate coursework. Building on foundational OG training, participants strengthen their instructional decision-making and expand their expertise in higher-level language concepts to deliver structured, individualized intervention in 1:1 and small-group settings.
Participants develop the knowledge, rationale, and practical skills to support students with dyslexia and other significant reading challenges — including understanding reading acquisition, analyzing learner needs, and designing responsive, diagnostic-prescriptive lesson plans.
Format
- Open Enrollment: 36 hours, delivered virtually as a 5-day intensive or as 12 three-hour sessions across 10 months
- District: 36 hours, delivered virtually or in person on a mutually agreed-upon schedule, with timing adjusted to fit your school's needs
Outcomes
Participants gain the ability to design and deliver individualized, diagnostic, and prescriptive OG lessons for students in 1:1 or small-group settings.
Participants gain the ability to design and deliver individualized, diagnostic, and prescriptive OG lessons for students in 1:1 or small-group settings.
Prerequisite
Completion of CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy coursework.
CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum - Part 1
OGA Equivalent: Associate Part 1 Practicum
Build true mastery of Orton-Gillingham instruction. Begin the supervised practicum that prepares you for OGA Associate Certification — with personalized mentorship every step of the way.
Pricing: $2,750/person
CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum - Part 1 is designed for educators seeking a clear, guided pathway to mastery of OG instruction while meeting all requirements for OGA Associate certification. The practicum is divided into Part 1 and Part 2, each with 5 lesson observations; together, they meet the OGA's requirement of 100 lessons and 10 observations.
Part 1 introduces you to the supervised practicum experience, with direct coaching and feedback from an accredited OG Fellow helping you apply your training effectively and refine your instructional skills in real-world contexts. Trainees working in schools may complete the practicum in their home environments; private practitioners may use their own teaching sites.
Format
- 50 OG lessons completed over a minimum of 8 months (primarily 1:1; up to 30 lessons may be small-group with Fellow approval)
- 5 complete lesson observations submitted live or via unedited video
- 5 individualized feedback sessions with your Supervising Fellow
- Participation in monthly seminar sessions with other trainees
- Ongoing support throughout the practicum year
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Part 1, trainees continue to CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum - Part 2 to complete the OGA Associate Practicum requirements.
Upon successful completion of Part 1, trainees continue to CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum - Part 2 to complete the OGA Associate Practicum requirements.
Prerequisites
- Completion of CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy coursework
- Completion or current enrollment in CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 - Part 1 coursework
CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum - Part 2
OGA Equivalent: Associate Part 2 Practicum
Complete your journey to OGA Associate Certification. Finish your supervised practicum, prepare your application materials, and step into your role as a certified OG Associate.
Pricing: $2,750/person
CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum - Part 2 completes the second half of the OGA Associate Practicum requirements. Trainees continue working with their Supervising Fellow through 5 additional observations and lesson feedback sessions, culminating in the development of the student profile, annotated lesson set, and full OGA application.
If the trainee's application is deferred at any point, the Supervising Fellow continues to advise them until the application meets the Certifying Committee's guidelines.
Format
- 50 OG lessons completed over a minimum of 8 months
- 5 complete lesson observations submitted live or via unedited video
- 5 individualized feedback sessions with your Supervising Fellow
- Participation in monthly seminar sessions with other trainees
- Ongoing support throughout the practicum year
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all of CoLAB OG Interventionist coursework and Practicum Tiers 1 and 2, candidates are eligible to apply for OGA Associate Certification.
Upon successful completion of all of CoLAB OG Interventionist coursework and Practicum Tiers 1 and 2, candidates are eligible to apply for OGA Associate Certification.
Prerequisites
- Completion of CoLAB OG Teacher: Classroom Structured Literacy coursework
- Completion of CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 coursework
- Completion of CoLAB OG Interventionist: Tiers 2 and 3 Practicum — Part 1
CoLAB OG SPECIALIST Courses & Practicum
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia & Complex Profiles Course - Part 1
OGA Equivalent: Certified/Clinical - Part 1 Coursework
Advance your Orton‑Gillingham practice. Deepen your expertise in dyslexia, complex learner profiles, and executive function to support struggling readers of all ages.
Time to complete course: 36 hours
Pricing: $1,595/person
Pricing: $1,595/person
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Course - Part 1 meets half of the coursework requirements for Clinical Certification with the OGA. Designed for educators seeking to deepen their expertise in structured literacy, this course examines the neurobiological foundations of dyslexia, the historical and current landscape of literacy instruction, and the impact of educational practices on learners across the lifespan.
Participants strengthen their assessment literacy and instructional decision-making while learning to integrate study skills, self-advocacy, and organizational strategies into individualized OG instruction. The course also broadens awareness of OG-derived programs and materials to support responsive planning for students with prior intervention experience.
Parts 1 and 2 do not need to be taken in sequential order.
Format
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36 hours of coursework, delivered virtually over 10 months as 12 three-hour sessions
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28 additional hours accrued through preapproved conferences and webinars, which may be completed in either Part 1 or Part 2 of the course
Outcomes
Participants gain the ability to design and deliver individualized, diagnostic, and prescriptive OG lessons for students in 1:1 or small-group settings, with the depth required to support complex learning profiles.
Participants gain the ability to design and deliver individualized, diagnostic, and prescriptive OG lessons for students in 1:1 or small-group settings, with the depth required to support complex learning profiles.
Prerequisites
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Satisfactory completion of all Associate requirements with OGA
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In some cases, a letter of recommendation from the primary Fellow may be requested
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia & Complex Profiles Course - Part 2
OGA Equivalent: Certified/Clinical - Part 2 Coursework
Master the language of advanced literacy. Expand your expertise in morphology, syntax, and expository writing to support older and more complex learners with precision.
Time to complete course: 36 hours
Pricing: $1,595/person
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Course - Part 2 meets the remaining half of the coursework requirements for Clinical Certification with the OGA. This course expands participants' knowledge of advanced language concepts — including morphology, vocabulary, comprehension, syntax, and expository writing — while developing assessment literacy through formal and informal measures.
Emphasis is placed on writing and refining detailed student profiles and instructional plans, as well as on understanding co-occurring learning differences affecting more complex learners. The course strengthens educators' capacity to design and deliver individualized, responsive instruction and supports the transition to more independent practice aligned with OG principles.
Parts 1 and 2 do not need to be taken in sequential order.
Format
- 36 hours of coursework, delivered virtually over 10 months as 12 three-hour sessions
- 28 additional hours accrued through preapproved conferences and webinars, which may be completed in either Part 1 or Part 2 of the course
Outcomes
Participants will be able to apply advanced language concepts, build assessment literacy, and create detailed student profiles and instructional plans to deliver individualized, responsive OG instruction for complex learners.
Participants will be able to apply advanced language concepts, build assessment literacy, and create detailed student profiles and instructional plans to deliver individualized, responsive OG instruction for complex learners.
Prerequisites
- Satisfactory completion of all Associate requirements with OGA
- In some cases, a letter of recommendation from the primary Fellow may be requested
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia & Complex Profiles Practicum -Part 1
OGA Equivalent: Certified/Clinical - Part 1 Practicum
Step into Clinical practice. By applying advanced OG instruction with a foundational learner, you'll develop the diagnostic precision that defines a Clinical Practitioner.
Pricing: $2,750/person
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Practicum — Part 1 is designed for educators pursuing OGA Clinical Certification. The practicum is divided into Part 1 and Part 2, each with 5 lesson observations; together, they meet the OGA's requirement of 200 lessons across 2 academic years, conducted with two different students at distinct levels of language instruction.
Part 1 focuses on the lower level of language instruction. Trainees work with their Supervising Fellow through observations and feedback, with ongoing support across the year. If the trainee's application is later deferred, the Supervising Fellow continues to advise them until it meets the Certifying Committee's guidelines.
Format
- 100 OG lessons completed over a minimum of one academic year with a student at a lower level of language instruction
- 5 complete lesson observations submitted live or via unedited video
- 5 individualized feedback sessions with your Supervising Fellow
- Participation in monthly seminar sessions with other trainees
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Part 1, trainees continue to the Specialist Practicum — Part 2 to complete the OGA Clinical Practicum requirements.
Upon successful completion of Part 1, trainees continue to the Specialist Practicum — Part 2 to complete the OGA Clinical Practicum requirements.
Prerequisites
- Satisfactory completion of all Associate requirements with OGA
- In some cases, a letter of recommendation from the primary Fellow may be requested
- Completion or current enrollment in The Southport CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Part 1 or 2 coursework
CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Practicum - Part 2
OGA Equivalent: Certified/Clinical - Part 2 Practicum
Advance to the next level of OG practice. Complete your Clinical Practicum with an advanced learner and prepare to step into your role as a certified OG Clinical practitioner.
Pricing: $2,750/person
Part 2 of the Specialist Practicum completes the second half of the OGA Clinical Practicum requirements. Trainees work with a second student at a higher level of language instruction, continuing to refine their diagnostic-prescriptive practice through 5 additional observations and feedback sessions with their Supervising Fellow.
Across both parts, the practicum accumulates the 200 lessons required by OGA — in addition to the 100 lessons completed as an Associate — for a total of 300 supervised hours.
Format
- 100 OG lessons completed over a minimum of one academic year with a student at a higher level of language instruction
- 5 complete lesson observations submitted live or via unedited video
- 5 individualized feedback sessions with your Supervising Fellow
- Participation in monthly seminar sessions with other trainees
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Parts 1 & 2 coursework and CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Practicum — Parts 1 & 2 (300 total supervised hours), candidates are eligible to apply for OGA Clinical Certification.
Upon successful completion of CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Parts 1 & 2 coursework and CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Practicum — Parts 1 & 2 (300 total supervised hours), candidates are eligible to apply for OGA Clinical Certification.
Prerequisites
- Completion of CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles Practicum Specialist Practicum — Part 1
- Completion of both Part 1 and 2 of CoLAB OG Specialist: Dyslexia and Complex Profiles coursework, or completion of Part 1 or 2 and currently enrolled in the remaining coursework
Orton-Gillingham Academy Application Support
OGA Associate Application Support
Submit with confidence. Get personalized, expert guidance through every component of your OGA Associate application — and turn your training into certification.
Pricing
- Included with the Associate Part 2 Practicum (up to 5 hours)
- $350/hour for additional hours beyond the included 5 hours
OGA Associate Application Support provides a structured, mentored pathway for candidates who want additional guidance beyond the practicum to complete all components of the OGA Associate certification application. Under the guidance of an Academy Fellow, candidates receive individualized support in completing required forms, securing documentation, and preparing all written and instructional materials for submission.
Format
- Delivered following the Associate Practicum
- Ongoing support is embedded within the Fellow mentorship
- Individualized feedback on all application components
- Structured checkpoints aligned to application milestones
Outcomes
- Participants submit a fully prepared OGA Associate application that accurately reflects their training, practicum experience, and instructional development.
Prerequisites
- Completion of OGA Associate Practicum
- Completion of required Associate coursework
OGA Clinical Application Support
Cross the finish line of Clinical Certification. Receive expert, individualized guidance through every component of your OGA Clinical application — and prepare to step into an advanced level of OG practice.
Pricing
- Included with the Clinical Part 2 Practicum (up to 5 hours)
- $350/hour for additional hours beyond the included 5 hours
OGA Clinical Application Support provides a structured, mentored pathway to help candidates complete all components of the OGA Clinical Certification application. Under the guidance of an Academy Fellow, candidates receive individualized support in completing required forms, securing documentation, and preparing all written and instructional materials for submission.
Format
- Delivered virtually following the Clinical Practicum
- Ongoing support is embedded within the Fellow mentorship
- Individualized feedback on all application components
- Structured checkpoints aligned to application milestones
Outcomes
Participants submit a fully prepared OGA Clinical application that accurately reflects their training, practicum experience, and instructional expertise.
Participants submit a fully prepared OGA Clinical application that accurately reflects their training, practicum experience, and instructional expertise.
Prerequisites
- Completion of OGA Clinical Practicum
- Completion of required Clinical coursework
Orton-Gillingham Continuing Education Credits
Orton-Gillingham Academy Continuing Education Credits
Advance your practice and earn Orton‑Gillingham Academy continuing education credits through our on‑demand online sessions.
Irregular Words: Mapping of the Word
Time to Complete: 2 hours
Pricing: $125/person
Pricing: $125/person
Clarify and strengthen irregular word instruction in this 2-hour online professional development session. Grounded in Orton-Gillingham principles and current research, this session reframes “sight words” through orthographic mapping—connecting pronunciation, spelling, and meanings to store words accurately in memory. Participants will learn to classify words as decodable, temporarily irregular, or permanently irregular, and to distinguish between content and function words when planning instruction. The session includes practical routines such as phoneme-grapheme mapping to identify the “heart” of the word and contextual sentence practice. Educators will leave with clear, diagnostic strategies for selecting and teaching irregular words with purpose rather than memorization.
Outcome
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2 OG Continuing Education Credits
Fluency: Beyond Word Count Per Minute
Time to Complete: 3 hours
Pricing: $175/person
Pricing: $175/person
Unlock the next level of reading fluency in this 3-hour online professional development session. Led by two accredited Orton-Gillingham Fellows, this presentation explores research-based strategies to enhance students’ reading fluency beyond traditional metrics. Participants will learn approaches to developing automaticity, prosody, and comprehension while addressing individual learners' needs. Through clear examples and evidence-based techniques, educators will gain insights to help students read with greater accuracy, expression, and confidence.
Outcome
- 3 OG Continuing Education Credits