About Us
Driven by Passion and a Vision for Excellence
Literacy Geeks started as two friends in San Diego who realized their combined strengths could make a real difference in classrooms.
Jonathan dove into English, rhetoric, and teaching. Lee built his path in technology and web development. Together, the co-founders saw the same problem again and again: students in grades 3–12 needed more explicit, skill-based support in reading and writing—and teachers needed practical tools to help them get there.
They launched Literacy Geeks in 2010. It was their first online teaching guide designed to help educators break down reading, writing, and speaking standards into teachable routines. Over 50,000 teachers showed them that they were on the right track, and EdTech Digest named them Edupreneurs of the Year in 2014.
From there, they kept building.
In 2020, Jonathan and Lee released Quindew, an adaptive reading platform that delivers authentic reading practice and assessment at the same time. Educators loved it—and so did EdTech Digest, naming it a Cool Tool finalist in 2020.
In 2023, Jonathan and Lee launched Ink Writing Universe to help students get the writing reps they need and help teachers spend less time grading and more time coaching writing. Now with a Reading and Writing Universe, Literacy Geeks was uniquely qualified to teach students how to analyze argument and informational texts and articulate complex thinking with text evidence.
Everything they create—programs, lessons, training—is anchored in one mission: improve literacy instruction so more students can read, write, and think at higher levels.
A Note of Gratitude
None of this work would exist without the creative spark, engineering talent, and entrepreneurial drive of my co-founder and friend, Lee Ramsey. After more than 15 years of building Literacy Geeks and pushing innovation in secondary literacy, Lee is moving on to pursue new entrepreneurial passions.
Lee—thank you for your commitment to teachers, students, and literacy excellence. Your fingerprints are on everything we’ve built, and your impact will continue to shape the work long after your next adventure begins.
Jonathan LeMaster
Jonathan is a prominent figure in the field of education, renowned for his dedication to revolutionizing reading and writing practices for students in Grades 3 through 12. Jonathan epitomizes the fusion of educational expertise and technological innovation.
Jonathan's journey began as an English teacher at EL Cajon Valley High School where he taught all levels of English and multilingual learners. During his time as a high school teacher, Jonathan authored AVID, Inc.'s Critical Reading: Deep Reading Strategies for Expository Texts. Critical Reading attempts to close opportunity gaps and align secondary reading and writing instruction to post-secondary expectations.
After teaching for two years at San Diego State University for the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, Jonathan became a middle school teacher.
Throughout his career, Jonathan has remained steadfast in his mission to equip students across elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels with the essential skills for success in higher education and the workforce. Rooted in a profound belief in the untapped potential of every student, Jonathan stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of education, blending his expertise as a literacy pedagogue with his entrepreneurial spirit to drive meaningful change in the lives of students and educators worldwide.
Literacy Geeks Believe!
Believe Kids Can
Students can do hard things, especially when you believe in them. Our lessons, instruction, and assessments are rigorous because when we set high expectations, students meet them!
Engage All Minds
The goal of any lesson is to get students thinking collaboratively and independently. We ignite thinking through discussion, problem solving, and metacognition.
Process Over Product
When the product is the goal, students miss important opportunities to learn and grow. The process is where learning happens, when skills are formed, and when confidence is developed.
Standards-Based Instruction
Explicit, skill-based instruction is the key to mastering reading, speaking, and writing standards. Skills must be modeled and rehearsed in every class, every day.
Equity and Belonging
Differentiation and responsive teaching practices are critical to student achievement. And when students are seen, supported, and evaluated without bias, they feel connected.
Practice & Feedback
Opportunity gaps narrow and close when students have more time to rehearse reading and writing skills. And growth increases when students receive instant, quality feedback.