James Garvey

English Teacher, Saddle Brook High School

355 Mayhill St.

Saddle Brook, NJ 07663

jgarvey@saddlebrookschools.org

December 11, 2015

Dear Selection Committee,
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of advising Jenna Sargenti in her role of student teacher as her
cooperating instructor. From September to December of 2015, Ms. Sargenti instructed three sections of Freshman
Composition and World Literature and consistently observed and contributed to my Advanced Placement (AP)
English Language and AP English Literature courses. During this time, she practiced and mastered instructional
strategies, differentiated instruction, and engaged in extensive lesson planning and preparation. In addition, her
interaction with parents and the school community and her involvement with extra-curricular duties such as extra-help
and the literary magazine solidified her position as a member of the Saddle Brook faculty. Her observations conducted
by myself, Saddle Brook administration, and Caldwell faculty were consistently ranked as highly successful and
highlighted many of Ms. Sargentis strengths as an emerging educator.
Ms. Sargenti demonstrated leadership and confidence as the classroom teacher since she first touched the
interactive whiteboard. Within her first week at Saddle Brook, she was leading classroom activities, prompting and
cuing transitions, and assisting students with writing assignments. Ms. Sargenti was able to transition seamlessly and
quickly into teaching Marjane Satrapis graphic novel Persepolis, employing several mini-units on close-reading, theme
study, and instructing active reading strategies throughout this time. She followed the novel unit with a persuasive
writing unit, modeling and guiding practice of the funnel method for writing a five-paragraph essay. This assessment
is the foundational writing tool in English 9 and her effective instruction ensures competency and student
achievement on future assessments. Ms. Sargenti concluded her student teaching by instructing a rigorous unit on
Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet in which students jigsawed their reading of the play, acted out scenes, and compared the
text to film portrayals. Her observations of the AP English Language and English Literature classroom provided her
with insight into teaching a college-level course and managing upperclassmen students. Ms. Sargenti regularly
employed the interactive whiteboard, Google Docs on Chromebooks, Google Sites, and other applications to aid her
instruction powerfully. With my aid and the aid of her supervisor from Caldwell University, Ms. Sargenti led a truly
progressive English classroom that appealed to the needs of diverse group of learners.
Ms. Sargentis pleasant, disarming nature curried an instant rapport with students, yet her scrupulous
expectations and thorough guidance ensured their respect and attention. Her competency of classroom management is
achieved through her exceptional planning, and disarming and sincere nature. Ms. Sargenti regularly participated in
the schools learning community by attending staff professional development sessions, department meetings, and full
faculty meetings. In addition, she maintained her volunteer commitment to the schools Cheerleading Team,
remaining a familiar figure at sporting events and throughout the hallways. During her time at Saddle Brook, she
became a valued member of our English faculty and will be missed greatly by students and staff alike.
Ms. Sargenti truly embodies the traits of an effective, compassionate educator. The quality of her instructional
planning is easily among the best of any new teacher. Her attitude is driven toward student success and the quality of
her content rivals that of an educator already practicing. Advising Ms. Sargenti has allowed me the opportunity to
ensure learning is taking place in my classroom daily and afforded me the time to reflect on my own teaching. She will
be a true asset to any school community through her talent, skill, and kindness.
If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me using the information detailed above.
Regards,
James Garvey
English Teacher, English Department Facilitator