About Me
Hello, everyone! My name is Tami Kneip. I am a Third Grade teacher at Lead-Deadwood Elementary School in Deadwood, S.D. I was born in Brookings, S.D and have one older brother and two older sisters. I got married to my husband, Dan, in June 2019, and we just welcomed our first child, Everett, in June 2020. We have a cat named Kyra.
I first started working with kids my junior year in High School, and it was then I knew I wanted to be an elementary teacher. I worked at the G.A.P. (Great After-school Place) in Brookings for 4 years with 3 years as an instructor at the Kindergarten site and before-school program. I also worked two years at the Medary Elementary School in Brookings as a lunch supervisor. In January 2011, I transferred to Black Hills State University in Spearfish from South Dakota State University to continue my degree in Elementary Education. I did my Junior Practicum at Lead-Deadwood Elementary in a First Grade classroom. My student teaching experience was at Creekside Elementary School in Spearfish in a Third Grade classroom. In May 2012, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Black Hills State University.
In August 2012, I started working at Lead-Deadwood Elementary as a K-5 Reading Specialist. I really enjoyed working with students of all ages, but knew I wanted a classroom of my own. In 2013, I became a First Grade teacher in the Lead-Deadwood Elementary School and really enjoyed my students and being in a classroom. But as soon as the opportunity became available to teach Third Grade, I immediately sought it out. This is my eighth year teaching third grade. I absolutely love it and enjoy the curriculum!
I enjoy all things outdoors - hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, soccer, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc. I love to travel and experience new things like being a mommy. I also enjoy crafting, sewing, and reading. But most of all, I love working with children!
I first started working with kids my junior year in High School, and it was then I knew I wanted to be an elementary teacher. I worked at the G.A.P. (Great After-school Place) in Brookings for 4 years with 3 years as an instructor at the Kindergarten site and before-school program. I also worked two years at the Medary Elementary School in Brookings as a lunch supervisor. In January 2011, I transferred to Black Hills State University in Spearfish from South Dakota State University to continue my degree in Elementary Education. I did my Junior Practicum at Lead-Deadwood Elementary in a First Grade classroom. My student teaching experience was at Creekside Elementary School in Spearfish in a Third Grade classroom. In May 2012, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Black Hills State University.
In August 2012, I started working at Lead-Deadwood Elementary as a K-5 Reading Specialist. I really enjoyed working with students of all ages, but knew I wanted a classroom of my own. In 2013, I became a First Grade teacher in the Lead-Deadwood Elementary School and really enjoyed my students and being in a classroom. But as soon as the opportunity became available to teach Third Grade, I immediately sought it out. This is my eighth year teaching third grade. I absolutely love it and enjoy the curriculum!
I enjoy all things outdoors - hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, soccer, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc. I love to travel and experience new things like being a mommy. I also enjoy crafting, sewing, and reading. But most of all, I love working with children!