Mr. Zimmerman majored in natural science and earned his teacher certification from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. He also earned his master's degree in secondary education at Indiana University.

Mr. Zimmerman played on the UWSP varsity ice hockey team, serving as captain his senior year. He and his 1998 hockey team were inducted into the University's athletic hall of fame for a highly successful season that saw the team advance to the NCAA finals.

Previously, Mr. Zimmerman taught at the Culver Academies in Indiana. He developed a ninth grade integrated science class that interwove related topics in biology, chemistry and physics. Mr. Zimmerman was the Spivey Award recipient in 2005 - an honor bestowed on the school's outstanding young teacher. In addition, he coached hockey and lacrosse.

At Reserve, Mr. Zimmerman serves as the school's director of studies, teaches environmental science, and coaches ice hockey. He holds the Roush/Wayburn Chair in Environmental Studies, and in 2007, he received the Keener Prize, an honor given to a new faculty member who has mastered excellence in teaching and commitment to school life and overall learning.

He and his wife, Aimee, live on campus in the house by the football field with their son, John Michael, daughter, Bridget, and the family golden retriever, Abby.