39434 Jarrell Drive

Mechanicsville, MD 20659
April 17, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

As a Teacher Mentor for the Charles County Public School System (CCPS), Jessica Sage, as a non-tenured
teacher, was assigned as my mentee at Dr. Mudd Elementary School for the school year 2014-2015. I could
tell from the first day that I spent in Jessicas classroom, that she was exactly the kind of teacher that I wished
each of my three daughters would have had as their kindergarten teacher. Miss Sage fostered a total
student-centered classroom. By that I mean, her students knew exactly what to do, where to go, how to do it,
the expectations, and much, much more. The year that I spent in Miss Sages classroom was so rewarding
and heart-warming.

There are many attributes that contributed to the success of Jessicas classroom. She was ALWAYS well-
planned and organized. I make a point of not informing my mentees as to the days and times that I will be in
their classrooms. In Jessicas classroom materials were always ready and laid out. Smartboard activities were
prepared creatively. Literacy and math centers were in place as well as the rotation assignments. And that
list goes on.

Pacing and transitions were another key aspect of Jessicas learning environment. Time just wasnt wasted.
Students flowed seamlessly from one activity and one place to another, whether it was to the large group,
small group, individual stations, etc. In addition Jessica took every opportunity to make the entire day a
learning experience. She even began lessons with the objective and closed with checking off whether the
objective was accomplished!

Jessica fostered her instructional assistant by providing her with plans, materials and expectations for
supporting students in the large group, small group and with individual students. What a dynamic duo!

Jessicas creatively never ceased to amaze me whether it was a nifty science activity, a bulletin board to
support a special month, or a math activity to teach addition, she always had something up her sleeve to
engage and enrich her students.

This does not embrace all of Jessica Sages special attributes as a teacher, but I will conclude by saying that
Jessica is one of the finest teachers I have ever had the pleasure to observe. I truly admire her work ethic and
desire to be the best teacher that she can be to bring out the most in her students. If I ever had the
opportunity to hire Jessica as a teacher in my school, I would do it without missing a beat. She is a true gem.

Gayle Gepert
Gayle Gepert
Teacher Mentor CCPS
ggepert@ccboe.com
301.884.8233