Lowcountry Literacy Project and College of Charleston launch partnership to offer graduate professional development credit for Orton-Gillingham training

New collaboration elevates Science-of-Reading practice and recognizes teachers’ professional learning. 

The Lowcountry Literacy Project (LLP) announces a new partnership with the College of Charleston Office of Professional Development in Education (OPDE).  

Beginning this year, teachers enrolled in LLP’s Orton-Gillingham (OG) training will be eligible to earn graduate-level professional development course credit for their work. 

Paul Irwin, director of the College of Charleston’s Office of Professional Development in Education, said the partnership honors teachers’ professional growth while supporting every child’s success in reading.  

“This partnership reflects what we value at the Office of Professional Development in Education at the College of Charleston, connecting high-quality professional learning with real classroom impact,” he said. “By offering graduate credit for Orton-Gillingham training, teachers not only gain evidence-based literacy strategies that directly benefit students in Charleston County, but they also earn professional development that counts toward certificate renewal and can apply toward a master’s +30, helping increase their pay,” Irwin added.  

“This partnership is a major step forward for our mission,” said Catherine Hagberg, Director of Training and Implementation for the Lowcountry Literacy Project. “By aligning our OG teacher training with graduate professional development coursework, we elevate multisensory learning in teacher preparation and ensure educators receive the recognition they deserve for the time and dedication they invest.”

The collaboration strengthens the bridge between research and classroom practice by formally connecting evidence-based OG training with graduate professional development credit.  

Together, the College and LLP are building a pipeline of highly skilled teachers better equipped to meet the needs of struggling readers—changing outcomes not just for one classroom, but for an entire generation of students. 

About the College of Charleston Office of Professional Development in Education

The Office of Professional Development in Education at the College of Charleston partners with schools and districts to provide graduate-level professional development learning that advances educator practice and student achievement. Learn more.  

About the Lowcountry Literacy Project 

The Lowcountry Literacy Project is a nonprofit committed to ensuring every child learns to read. LLP equips public-school teachers with multisensory training and ongoing coaching grounded in the science of reading. Learn more.