I Help People Love the Hard to Love
Demo Videos
In a society where more youth and young adults grow up without guidance and direction, mentoring and coaching have never been so crucial. Through speaking and teaching people how to mentor and coach,” I help the “Hard to Love” on their journey to become healthier and more productive citizens in society and the workforce.
Greg offers practical solutions for teachers and parents of some of our most difficult students.
Kelli Sullivan, Counselor
Hillsboro Middle/High School, Hillsboro, WI
About Greg
In my adult life, I have acquired many roles. Most importantly, I married the love of my life, Kristi, 33 years ago. During that time, Kristi and I have had three biological and two adopted children added to our family and home. In addition, we have served 30 years as licensed foster parents, raising a number of foster children. In the process of adopting our daughter, Grace, from Liberia (West Africa), we were involved for six years with humanitarian and in-person support for an orphanage and school in Monrovia, Liberia.
Over 36 years ago, I began my career as an educator.
-
9 years as a teacher, grades 7-12:
-
22 years as a building principal, grades 6-12
-
16 years as a head coach and as assistant coach at the middle/high school and university levels (basketball, football, baseball and track & field)
-
15 years as a mentor and sponsor for 17-year old students who attended the Army National Guard Challenge Academy, an HSED program, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin
-
3 years as a university advisor, coach, campus administrator and director of student services
-
the last 2 years as a long-term substitute teacher in K-6 classrooms
Greg provided unwavering support to me in the early phases of my academic career.
Jonathan Yancy
“Loving the ‘Hard to Love’ Student”
for teachers, coaches, administrators
Those who have experienced trauma and/or reactive attachment disorder tend to be our “tough” kids in school and our communities. Using the acronym, “LOVE” (Learn, Outline, Validate, Expect)
I present four principles to loving these “Hard to Love '' youth and young adults and helping them to become more productive in not only school but also as citizens in society.
“What the World Needs Now - Mentors”
educators, coaches, foster parents, social workers, mentoring organizations
Have you ever considered becoming an actual mentor?
From my experiences as a veteran teacher, longtime high school principal, parent (biological, foster and adoptive) and caregiver, I outline the methods I have followed in order to mentor and coach young people to rise above life's obstacles.
Changing School Culture
Does your school district see a need to change its climate?
Changing school culture in order to promote higher student satisfaction and achievement is a hot topic in our country - and I can help with that. I outline my process for school reform.
Testimonials
"Greg provided unwavering support to me in the early phases of my academic career. To summarize Greg in only a few sentences is almost impossible, but I close this with “Greg has the uncanny ability to love students unconditionally,... and that’s what makes him a great asset in higher education and our society as a whole.”
Jonathan Yancy
"I have been a Child Protection Social Worker for the county for over 20 years. While he was a school principal I often called on him for advice, guidance and assistance when we were both dealing with very difficult cases. He has demonstrated through his personal and professional life that he is passionate and dedicated to ensuring others feel heard and cared for. Greg is knowledgeable, intelligent, and possesses skills needed to be an excellent leader, educator and trainer. His education, experiences and personal journey have given him the ability to share his talents with others and contribute to the greater good of our society!
Melony Hansen
Child Protection Social Worker, Vernon County, Wisconsin
"I have known Greg for over 10 years. During this period of time, I have had the opportunity to work together with him when he served as School Administrator, and more recently as Student Service Director. With his extensive knowledge of schools and his warm personality, Greg is engaging with his audience and well-received."
Paul Gasser, Behavioral Therapist
In our change agent partnership with Zimmerman Speaking & Consulting, Greg Zimmerman has helped our school district foster student and staff resiliency to engage with each other emotionally, intellectually and socially. Greg was able to help us identify specific areas for growth and improvement throughout the district and community to positively change our culture and learning environments. Because of his vast experiences in education, Mr. Zimmerman has helped us intensely focus on taking responsibility for student learning as it relates to practices, policies, and procedures.
Lisa Wallin-Kapinus
Boscobel (Wisconsin) Area School District Administrator
Connect with Greg
Email: greg@ZimmermanS&C.com
Phone: 608-479-0145
