If your child is bright but struggles to read, you are not imagining it — and you are not alone. Many Gresham families spend months trying apps, classroom support, and general tutors before realizing their child needs something more specific: structured, evidence-based reading instruction designed for the way their brain learns. This guide walks through what actually matters when choosing a dyslexia tutor, so you can make a confident decision the first time.
Start with the method, not the label
Anyone can call themselves a reading tutor. What separates effective dyslexia support is the method. Look for a tutor trained in structured literacy — a systematic, explicit approach grounded in the science of reading. The most recognized frameworks include Orton-Gillingham and approaches built on LETRS and UFLI training. These methods teach reading in a deliberate sequence: phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, then comprehension. Nothing is skipped or assumed. Ask any prospective tutor directly: “What reading method do you use, and how is it sequenced?” If the answer is vague, keep looking.
Credentials that signal real expertise
For students with dyslexia and reading differences, training matters more than years alone. A few markers worth asking about:
- A graduate degree in reading or literacy education (for example, an M.Ed. in Reading)
- LETRS training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling)
- UFLI qualification (University of Florida Literacy Institute)
- Hands-on experience with multisensory instruction
These are not buzzwords. They indicate the tutor understands why a reading approach works, not just how to follow a workbook.
What good sessions actually look like
Effective dyslexia tutoring is one-on-one and multisensory — combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic practice so skills stick. A strong tutor will:
- Begin with a short consultation to understand your child’s reading profile, strengths, and goals.
- Build a personalized plan paced to your child’s level rather than a fixed curriculum.
- Give targeted feedback in the moment and send progress notes after sessions.
- Adjust the plan as your child grows.
If a program looks like a one-size-fits-all worksheet packet, it is unlikely to move the needle for a child with dyslexia.
In-person or online — which is better?
Both work when the instruction is sound. In-person sessions around Gresham and East Portland suit younger learners who benefit from hands-on materials and fewer distractions. Online sessions offer flexibility for busy families and work well for many students across Oregon. The deciding factor is the quality and consistency of the instruction, not the delivery method.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What reading method do you use, and how is it sequenced?
- What training and credentials do you hold?
- How do you measure and report progress?
- How do you tailor sessions to my child specifically?
- What does a typical session look like?
A tutor who welcomes these questions — and answers them clearly — is one you can trust with your child’s confidence.
Local, evidence-based reading support in Gresham
North Star Tutoring provides one-on-one, structured-literacy reading support for Gresham and East Portland families, in person and online across Oregon. Debbie Sexton, M.Ed., is LETRS-trained and UFLI-qualified with more than 25 years helping students become confident readers. Learn more about our dyslexia tutoring, or take the best first step — a free 20-minute consultation, a no-pressure conversation about your child’s reading, with a recommended plan and answers to your questions. Book a free consult or call (503) 809-4120.