Rising Readers

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Lacey Weidman & Geoff Melder to explore one foundational truth: literacy touches everything.

The conversation looks at why strong literacy instruction matters far beyond language arts, shaping students’ confidence, critical thinking, and ability to engage meaningfully across all subjects. Geoff and Lacey share how intentional literacy practices help meet students where they are, support diverse learning needs, and build a shared foundation for success across grade levels.

Together, they reflect on how literacy helps students not only read and write well, but also understand, express, and grow into who they are becoming.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the power of literacy when it is treated not as a single program, but as a shared commitment across a school system.