Blue Mound, IL — Teachers at Meridian Community Unit School District #15 recently took part in an intensive professional development training focused on the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s (IMSE) Orton-Gillingham approach—a structured, evidence-based method for teaching reading.
This specialized training equips educators with strategies to support all learners, especially those with dyslexia and other reading challenges. The Orton-Gillingham method emphasizes a multi-sensory, sequential approach that connects visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways, helping students build stronger phonics, decoding, and comprehension skills.
“Our teachers are committed to ensuring that every student becomes a confident reader,” said Shane Gordon, Superintendent. “The IMSE training empowers them with tools grounded in science and proven to close literacy gaps.”
The training sessions, which were led by a certified IMSE instructor, covered the fundamentals of the Orton-Gillingham methodology, including phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, syllable division, and spelling rules. Teachers also practiced hands-on strategies they can immediately implement in their classrooms to boost reading engagement and mastery.
This initiative aligns with Meridian’s broader literacy goals, which emphasize early intervention, equitable instruction, and continuous professional development. The district plans to integrate Orton-Gillingham practices across grade levels to support all readers, regardless of ability.
“We’re excited to see the positive impact this training will have on our students,” said Gordon. “When we give teachers high-quality tools and knowledge, our students win.”
About IMSE:
The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) is a leading provider of professional development in the Orton-Gillingham method. IMSE’s trainings are designed to help educators implement structured literacy techniques that benefit all students, including those with dyslexia and reading difficulties.