Who is Jenifer Neffendorf?
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas Tech University
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All about me... I began my teaching career in 2005 as a teaching assistant in special education at Walnut Springs Elementary. I loved it so much that I decided to get my teaching certification. I began the alternative teaching program at Region 13 in the fall of 2007 and received my teaching certificate in 2008, My first teaching job was as a 5th grade inclusion teacher here at Dripping Springs Elementary. The following year, I was given the job to be the life skills functional academics teacher. This is exactly where I wanted to be. I have been teaching the functional academics class now for 7 years. and have definitely found my passion
After graduating from a small high school in central Texas, my twin brother and I headed for Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University. I earned my degree in business administration in May 1989. My first job out of college was a merchandise manager for JCPenney. I worked my way up to Sr. Merchandise Manager and stayed there for 10 years managing departments in JCPenney stores in 4 different towns across Texas. While managing athletic apparel one year when the Dallas Cowboys were headed to the super bowl, I even got to talk to Tony Dorsett, running back for the Cowboys, which was a really big deal back than and I even ordered some championship t-shirts from him. On another occasion, the Garth Brooks band came into the JCPenneys in San Angelo right before they became famous to buy boots from the shoe department that I was managing. I didn't know who they were back than but now I do.
While in San Angelo, I met a guy and married him and had my oldest son, Brandon, who graduated from Dripping Springs High School last year. He sort of became famous himself for a short period of time when he was chosen as DSHS's homecoming king. Yes, we're very proud of him. He was always a happy baby and content but continued to fall further behind with each milestone. After many visits to doctors, we got a diagnosis that he would have challenges for the rest of his life. He was orthopedically impaired and had some autistic tendencies. We decided that I would be a stay at home mom and I devoted my life to taking my son to as many therapies as I could sign him up for. These were my first lessons in helping disabled children with special needs.. This was before FERPA and I was allowed to watch and participate in most of his therapy sessions.
In 2002, we had our second son, CJ, who will be in the 8th grade at Dripping Springs Middle School this year. He's taught us many lessons as well and became a great little brother to his older brother often taking on the older brother role even when not necessary as well as another therapist for Brandon.
We've never let my son's disability stop us from doing most things that other families get to do, well, except for hiking but we've learned to accommodate and modify through life's adventures which has made my boys the awesome young men they are today. I believe that all kids should be given experiences just like their peers and enjoy life to its fullest. I'm waiting to see which one of my students will end up being one of the famous people that I've had the pleasure of teaching.
If I had to say what my favorite things in life would be besides teaching and spending time with the kids, I'd have to say milk chocolate, Diet Dr. Peppers, pedicures, and PINK in any shade or fashion. Family and friends are very important to me as well as forming strong ties among students and their families. I love watching the kids grow and learn and the excitement of being a part of Dripping Springs Elementary where all kids are treated like leaders. I am truly blessed to be a part of this remarkable group and I'm looking forward to beginning another year teaching special education and watching these kids become the leaders of our next generation.
After graduating from a small high school in central Texas, my twin brother and I headed for Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University. I earned my degree in business administration in May 1989. My first job out of college was a merchandise manager for JCPenney. I worked my way up to Sr. Merchandise Manager and stayed there for 10 years managing departments in JCPenney stores in 4 different towns across Texas. While managing athletic apparel one year when the Dallas Cowboys were headed to the super bowl, I even got to talk to Tony Dorsett, running back for the Cowboys, which was a really big deal back than and I even ordered some championship t-shirts from him. On another occasion, the Garth Brooks band came into the JCPenneys in San Angelo right before they became famous to buy boots from the shoe department that I was managing. I didn't know who they were back than but now I do.
While in San Angelo, I met a guy and married him and had my oldest son, Brandon, who graduated from Dripping Springs High School last year. He sort of became famous himself for a short period of time when he was chosen as DSHS's homecoming king. Yes, we're very proud of him. He was always a happy baby and content but continued to fall further behind with each milestone. After many visits to doctors, we got a diagnosis that he would have challenges for the rest of his life. He was orthopedically impaired and had some autistic tendencies. We decided that I would be a stay at home mom and I devoted my life to taking my son to as many therapies as I could sign him up for. These were my first lessons in helping disabled children with special needs.. This was before FERPA and I was allowed to watch and participate in most of his therapy sessions.
In 2002, we had our second son, CJ, who will be in the 8th grade at Dripping Springs Middle School this year. He's taught us many lessons as well and became a great little brother to his older brother often taking on the older brother role even when not necessary as well as another therapist for Brandon.
We've never let my son's disability stop us from doing most things that other families get to do, well, except for hiking but we've learned to accommodate and modify through life's adventures which has made my boys the awesome young men they are today. I believe that all kids should be given experiences just like their peers and enjoy life to its fullest. I'm waiting to see which one of my students will end up being one of the famous people that I've had the pleasure of teaching.
If I had to say what my favorite things in life would be besides teaching and spending time with the kids, I'd have to say milk chocolate, Diet Dr. Peppers, pedicures, and PINK in any shade or fashion. Family and friends are very important to me as well as forming strong ties among students and their families. I love watching the kids grow and learn and the excitement of being a part of Dripping Springs Elementary where all kids are treated like leaders. I am truly blessed to be a part of this remarkable group and I'm looking forward to beginning another year teaching special education and watching these kids become the leaders of our next generation.