For nearly 50 years, the Garside Institute for Teacher Training (GIFTT) at Carroll School has been equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to teach reading using the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach. Step inside this one-of-a-kind learning institute with an impact far beyond the Carroll campus.

What is GIFTT?

Founded in 1975 and named in honor of Alice Garside—an OG fellow trained by approach co-creator Anna Gillingham—GIFTT has grown into a leading educator training institute. Today, it offers multiple levels of Orton-Gillingham instruction and certification, staying true to its mission: ensuring more students, both at Carroll and in schools across the region, receive high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.

GIFTT’s training goes beyond teaching a method—it cultivates a mindset. The OG approach is diagnostic and prescriptive, empowering educators to observe student errors, uncover their root causes, and adjust instruction to meet individual needs.

Orton-Gillingham isn't just a program—it's a way of thinking about teaching and being highly responsive to a student's needs.

Heather Lufkin Director of GIFTT and one of Carroll’s five OG Fellows

Since its inception, more than 3,500 educators have completed OG training through GIFTT. These alumni now serve in Carroll classrooms, in public and independent schools, and in private practice, bringing powerful literacy instruction to students throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

GIFTT is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators and is supported by five OG Fellows on staff—an exceptional distinction that reflects the institute’s leadership, integrity, and gold-standard instruction.

Training That Makes a Difference

At Carroll, the OG approach is woven into every discipline—from language arts to science and music. To ensure every student benefits from expert teaching, Carroll educators receive role-specific training. Many pursue advanced certification, working alongside clinical supervisors to refine their craft.

“The coaching and feedback are what make this training so impactful,” says Lufkin. “Teachers aren’t just learning theory—they’re implementing it in real time and sharpening their skills with expert support.”

Expanding Beyond Carroll: Partnering with Boston Public Schools

In addition to training educators within Carroll, GIFTT has a long history of outreach, helping bring evidence-based literacy instruction to a broader audience. Most recently, GIFTT launched a pilot project at Curtis Guild Elementary School in East Boston, where 90% of students are multilingual learners. Through this project, 12 dedicated educators are engaged in comprehensive OG training, weekly coaching, in-class observations, and ongoing professional learning. All of this is happening on-site, within their school context.

“This partnership isn’t just about training teachers—it’s about transforming literacy instruction in public schools,” Lufkin explains. “We know OG works, and we know that high-quality training makes a difference. By embedding OG principles into general education classrooms, we’re equipping teachers with diagnostic tools to truly understand and address their students’ reading challenges.”

This work is deeply rewarding. We're not just helping students read—we're giving teachers the tools and support to change lives.

Dinan Messiqua Clinical instructor with the project

A Lasting Impact

Whether at Carroll or in classrooms across Massachusetts, GIFTT is ensuring that more educators have the skills to help students succeed. By training educators in the science of reading, GIFTT is shaping the future of literacy instruction—one educator, one student, and one classroom at a time.

Read the full issue here: Carroll Connection 2025-2026