Natalie Zimmerman

City/town of residence: Rockville

Date of birth: November 22, 1995

Current occupation: Montgomery County Public Schools second-grade teacher at Wheaton Woods Elementary School

Political experience: bachelor’s degree in international studies and political science; former campaign staff for Gretchen Driskell for Congress

Website: zimmermanforBOE.com (under construction)

Email: zimmermanforeducation@gmail.com

Social media links (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.):

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557122841765

https://www.instagram.com/nzimmermanforboe/

https://twitter.com/ZimmermanforBOE

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for this office because I believe in taking action. Throughout my time in MCPS, I have seen the system fail students and educators alike. Montgomery County Public Schools has some of the greatest potential in the country to provide the highest quality public education possible to every single child – no matter their race, gender, socio-economic status, or otherwise. As an MCPS teacher, I have taken action on behalf of students and my fellow educators to capitalize on our potential and stop foundering our students’ futures. I am running so I can speak from the classroom and into policy.

What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?

I have taught in MCPS for five years. I know the system from one of its most crucial points of success, which makes me extremely qualified to speak from it. I believe I am a competitive candidate not only because I am experienced as a teacher, but because I come with the experiences of a teacher. I know how to balance an absurdly high number of demands at once and meet the needs of many with few resources. I know hard work because I work like a teacher. I am committed to work hard for students and educators of MCPS.

What is the most important issue in this race? How do you plan to address it?

I find the budget to be an important issue in this race. I believe that MCPS must first fund the contract with the Montgomery County Education Association. Contractual agreements must be upheld – especially as MCPS looks to increase transparency and trust. Next, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future must be our guiding force in what is chosen to be funded. While the Blueprint does paint broad strokes, the school board must not just fit current practices into the pillars, but instead be willing to abandon projects and initiatives that are not meeting success measures as hoped and choose to fund new opportunities for educators and students.

Transparency and accountability have been particularly challenging for the school system as shown by the recent sexual harassment scandal involving a former MCPS principal. How do you plan to help the school board rebuild trust with the school community?

Rebuilding trust with the community – including educators – is of utmost importance. Without the accountability to constituents that the Board of Education holds, the superintendent can easily become swayed and follow their own interests. I would advocate for the Board of Education to have their own staff that is independent of MCPS staff. MCPS bringing critical information to the board allows for misrepresentation of data and fact. Additionally, the board should be sure to follow through with commitments as delivering on obligations will improve trust. The board must allow for feedback from stakeholders across the county and err on the side of over-communication.

Do you have a child in the school system? What school do/did they attend and what grade?

I do not presently have my own child in MCPS schools, but I have had the privilege to teach and nurture many students that now attend and have attended schools across Montgomery County Public Schools, including Summit Hall Elementary School, Rosemont Elementary School, Mill Creek Towne Elementary School, Wheaton Woods Elementary School, Forest Oak Middle School, and others.

Are you an MCPS alumnus? Which school(s) did you attend? What year?

I am not an MCPS alumnae, but all of my educational experiences in teaching and learning have been in public schools and universities.