Summer Vertrees earned a B.S. in Secondary Education English from Tennessee Technological University in 2004. After earning her degree and beginning her public school teaching career, she later pursued her M.A. in English, which began her collegiate teaching experience.  

As an educator, Vertrees has spent her time teaching students ranging from 7th grade summer school and high school dual enrollment, to seniors at four year universities as well as online college enrollees. Her main focus is in the realm of English Rhetoric and Composition, where she has spent most of the past decade instructing and inspiring students to be better writers. Recently, she has instructed the Advanced Composition and Grammar course for CU. In way of literature, she has taught many courses, from classes on Shakespeare to Utopian and Dystopian Literature, as well as general survey courses covering American Literature. 

As a writer, Vertrees has published many pieces in local magazines and newspapers; she has worked alongside excellent student writers to help them get their work published as well, in order to highlight the exceptional work and progress they have accomplished while in her classroom.  

Personally, Vertrees enjoys spending time with her husband and three children foremost. Participating in Crossfit workouts, writing with brightly colored pens, drinking coffee, playing word games, and completing any adventure that involves running all serve to make her happy. Currently, she is training for her second triathlon.