District 2

About Natalie Zimmerman

Natalie Zimmerman serves as the District 2 representative on the Montgomery County Board of Education, where she brings the perspective of a recent classroom educator directly into policy and decision-making. Elected in 2024, she is known for her strong belief that effective educational leadership must remain grounded in the day-to-day realities of students, teachers, and school communities.

A former MCPS elementary school teacher, Ms. Zimmerman taught second, third, and fourth grade at Summit Hall Elementary School and Wheaton Woods Elementary School before joining the Board. Her classroom experience continues to shape her approach to leadership, particularly in areas involving curriculum, student support, educator needs, and equitable access to resources. She often emphasizes that students only experience each grade once, making every school year critical in a child’s educational journey.

Ms. Zimmerman earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Political Science, International Studies, and Gender and Health, and later completed her master’s degree in Elementary Education. She also holds certifications in special education, English Language Development (ELD), and middle-grade English Language Arts.

Throughout her time on the Board, Ms. Zimmerman has served on the Strategic Planning, Fiscal Management, Policy, and Advisory Committees, and currently chairs the Communications and Advisory Committee. She is particularly passionate about building meaningful partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community, and values creating spaces where students, staff, and families feel heard and supported.

Her philosophy on public education is rooted in the belief that schools are one of society’s most powerful investments in the future. She is deeply committed to strengthening public education through thoughtful policy, responsible stewardship of resources, and decisions that prioritize student outcomes and classroom impact.

In addition to her Board service, Ms. Zimmerman has supported students and educators through mentorship, volunteer work, and extracurricular programming, including coaching Girls on the Run and participating in science enrichment activities for elementary students. She credits much of her inspiration and leadership to the educators and colleagues who shaped her own journey in public education.

Originally from Saline, Michigan, Ms. Zimmerman has called Montgomery County home for the past eight years. Outside of her work in education, she enjoys dogs, desserts, and finding joy in the curiosity and energy that students bring to every classroom.