Justin Zimmerman, headmaster of The Linsly School in Wheeling, has been awarded a fully funded fellowship to the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership’s 2019 Heads of Schools program at Teachers College, Columbia University. This distinguished honor, established in 1991, is granted to just 20 heads of schools annually.
The 2019 cohort includes heads from across the United States in addition to participants from Brazil, Canada, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Myanmar, Taiwan and Thailand. These heads of schools are gathering today through Feb. 8 at the Columbia University campus for intensive study to examine educational issues facing independent and international schools and an opportunity for focused professional enrichment, renewal and reflection.
The Klingenstein Center is dedicated to improving the quality of independent and international school education by developing and strengthening leadership among teachers and administrators from schools in the U.S. and throughout the world. The center attracts and selects educators who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishment or potential for excellence and equips them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for informed and effective practice. All fellowships and graduate programs focus on instructional leadership, collaboration and teamwork, ethical decision-making, reflective practice and a commitment to social justice and diversity.
Drawing upon a record of success that spans 40 years and the full resources of Teachers College and Columbia University, the Klingenstein Center stands alone in its capacity to develop leaders for independent schools. The Klingenstein Center programs include the fully funded, two-week fellowship for heads of schools, a fully funded, two-week fellowship for early career teachers, master’s degree programs in private school leadership and an MA/MBA dual degree in cooperation with either Columbia Business School or INSEAD.
Zimmerman came to Linsly from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, bringing his passion for fostering the best possible environment for children to grow and learn.
Zimmerman has served as a classroom teacher, a hockey and lacrosse coach, a dormitory parent and an administrative staff member. He began his career in independent schools as a science teacher at the Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana. He then spent eight years at Western Reserve Academy where he served in multiple positions including director of studies, dean of studies and student life, and dean of student life.
Zimmerman is a graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree in secondary education, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and he attended the Culver Academies. He was an NAIS Aspiring Heads Fellow, has been a presenter at TABS and served as a member of the ISACS Self-Study Steering Committee. He was the recipient of the Roush Wayburn Chair in Environmental Studies and the Keener Prize for teaching excellence at Western Reserve Academy.
Zimmerman resides on Linsly’s campus with his wife, Aimee, and their two children, John Michael and Bridget.
Weelunk is proud to have the Linsly School
as a generous supporter.
