Greetings!!
Hi! My name is Jennifer Marie Thompson-Zephier. I am an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe (Ihanktonwan). I am 27 years young and currently reside in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. I am the eldest girl out of 10 siblings. I am very active in my Lakota ways and strive to carry myself in a respectful way. My family is also very active in our Lakota way of life and has instilled these values in myself as well.
I have enjoyed the company of children since the age of 11 years old. Like most young girls I babysat for children alot growing up, so my love for children came at a young age. I liked caring for and watching lil children grow. At the age of 18 years old, I was a live-in nanny for a family of 3 children for about 9 months. I learned alot from this experience about responsibility and caring for others, which sparked my interest in working with children; although not necessarily teaching.
My calling for pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education came in 2005. I began substituting at the headstart center in Pine Ridge. I immediately fell in love with the children and the daily teachings from the children themselves. Everyday was different and I was always happy being in their presence. Once a position for a teacher's aide became available, I jumped at the opportunity and eventually became an aide.
In 2007, I received my CDA (Child Development Associate) in ages 3-5. I was given the opportunity to teach the graduating class for the 2007/2008 school year; however an another opportunity arose when I was offered the chance to attend training in the Montessori method.
I attended the primary training course (3-6 yrs. old) at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in St.Paul Minnesota. Learning Montessori was truly a life-changing experience for me. I learned soo much and discovered alot about myself. I developed a exciting new love for children, educating, and of course for the Montessori method. Montessori motivated me to want to help Native American children in the best possible way I could.
In May 2008, I became a AMI (American Montessori Internationale) certified Montessorian. I consider this to be one of my greatest accomplishments soo far in my educational career.
I then moved to the Standing Rock Reservation in June 2008, where I taught Montessori for 2 years as the head directress for ages 3-6 years old. At Sitting Bull school is where my love for the Montessori Method solidified.
In June 2010, I moved back to Pine Ridge and immediately began my teaching career once again at the Pine Ridge Headstart. I am presently on my 2nd year as the 4-5 year old teacher in PRHS VIII. It has been an absolute joy and I hope that I get the honor of having YOUR CHILD in my classroom in the future!!!!
Pilamaye,
Jennifer Marie Thompson-Zephier