Farewell to Three All-Star Teachers

Farewell to Three All-Star Teachers

PC Profile of Gordon, Rentschler and Taraborelli

When the news that teachers Robert Gordon, Harvey Rentschler and Jean Taraborelli would retire at the end of this year posted to the Penn Charter Facebook page, former students replied with gratitude – and many anecdotes.

There was sadness, too. “Tears,” wrote Dillon Minacci.

Some students remembered one of the teachers, or two, but Jason Winig gave a shout-out to all three: “Mr. Gordon was patient enough to help me get through calc even when things got tough. Ms. Taraborelli made Spanish fun and encouraged me to go to Spain, helping instill a love of travel and, of course, Spain! And, well, Mr. Rentschler taught us our state capitals and, strangely enough, to never yawn without covering your mouth.”

Read more about Gordon, Rentschler and Taraborelli, including recollections from students.

Robert Gordon Hon. 1689

A member of the math department since 1987 and currently director of the Math Center, Robert Gordon is the faculty’s most accomplished tango dancer. He brought his sense of humor to math and, for more than a decade, to his role as coach of the Comedy Sportz club.

“On one of the many days B- math were giving Mr. Gordon less than complete attention he just borrowed Wyatt Gallery’s leather jacket and sat right down [to teach] the group,” wrote Carolyn Kogan Loughran OPC ’93. “He never let our colorful behavior get in the way of his stellar lesson plan.”

“Mr. Gordon, thank you for all the time you spent with me at the math center!” wrote Samantha Jarmul OPC ’09. “That extra support got me through calculus and allowed me to be confident and comfortable with a subject that did not come easy to me!”

Harvey Rentschler Hon. 1689

Harvey Rentschler has taught fifth grade for his entire 38 years at Penn Charter and leaves a legacy in Lower School. The long and lanky runner also coached boys cross country from 1976 to 2005; he won 12 league championships and four state championships, and was named independent school coach of the year in 2001.

“Will always remember Mr. R’s kind reassurance, ‘It’s not a test, it’s an evaluation!’ Always made me feel better,” wrote Alice Affleck Bullitt OPC ’98. “And I’m lucky enough to run into him on runs in my neighborhood.”

“Mr. R made me feel like a ‘super star’ when I caught a tennis ball he launched up into the air at recess,” recalled Megan Evans Kafer OPC ’95. “He treated me to a Dunkin Donut of my choice the next morning, yum!”

Jean Taraborelli

Jean Taraborelli, who came to Penn Charter in 1990 to teach Spanish, became just as well known for her dedication to the school’s service learning program. Read more about Taraborelli’s contributions to Penn Charter in the tribute she received this spring from the Parent Community, which honored her for her service work.

Spanish was Jean Taraborelli’s specialty at Penn Charter, but it wasn’t her only gift. Her heart connected with underserved children and families, for whom she has provided invaluable support through the years.

Taraborelli grew up in a close family of Italian heritage in Havertown, where she still resides. She attended Archbishop Prendergast, and then went on to Chestnut Hill College, taking education courses while teaching elementary school. Taraborelli then attended Temple University, where she received her BA and master’s in education.

Taraborelli’s early teaching career was centered around providing educational support for children residing at the Methodist Home for Children, a nonprofit organization providing residential care for children suffering from neglect or abuse. Taraborelli spent three years teaching English in the Canary Islands, and enjoys going back almost annually for a visit.

Taraborelli began her career at Penn Charter teaching Spanish 24 years ago. She continues to be interested in serving others, with a special interest in the Hispanic population. Taraborelli has enjoyed working with students at Penn Charter studying advanced topics, and has enjoyed nurturing the school’s relationship with the Taylor School, especially their bilingual program. Taraborelli also spearheaded the holiday gift drive, in which the PC community provides gifts to families at the Taylor School or at the Northwest Interfaith Hospitality Network, another Penn Charter partner, which provides temporary housing for families in transition. “This program is nice as we know the families, and it is gratifying to see people in our own community being helped by Penn Charter,” Taraborelli said.

Taraborelli believes that what makes Penn Charter special is the Quaker nature of the school. “To recognize and respect the Quaker philosophy fits well with my personal beliefs and actions,” she said. Additionally, Taraborelli values her time with her colleagues, who are “wonderful and extremely dedicated.”

When asked what it meant to be honored, Taraborelli responded, “I don’t need to be honored. I love doing what I do. Opportunities to serve others are recognition enough.”

Taraborelli is excited about the Center for Public Purpose and believes it will help the entire community to understand how we can share our wealth with others and get people involved. Taraborelli would like for all of us to “Do Good with What Thou Hast.” PC