Gretchen Vierstra, MA, is the managing editor at Understood. She brings over 20 years of experience in education to this role, as well as a passion for developing resources that help teachers best serve all students. She started her career as a middle school English and history teacher. During her 10 years in the classroom, she served as a department chair and new teacher coach. Vierstra’s career includes experience working in nonprofit programs serving transitional-age youth, newcomers, and first-generation college students. She’s also managed an adult learning program for new immigrants. Prior to joining Understood, Vierstra was senior director of education content at Teaching Channel, where she led the creation of classroom videos and teacher resources.
Vierstra earned a BA in English from Smith College, an MA in education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an MPA from San Francisco State University. She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area.