Growing up in a small rural town in western Massachusetts, teaching was family affair for Magdalena "Maggie" Sorrentino. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather and mother, she set forth to earn a degree and licensure to teach elementary education.
“From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to become a teacher,” recalls the third-generation educator. “I was drawn to UVM’s focus on scholarship in service of children, families, and communities. It felt like a perfect fit for me.”
Beginning her career at Swanton Elementary School in the fall of 2023, Sorrentino was prepared and confident as a certified English language learner (ELL) teacher to meet the needs of all students. But she wanted to be better equipped to teach students about the structure and function of the English language itself.
Inspired by her undergraduate work as an Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity minor, she began graduate study as Reading and Literacy Specialist in UVM's Advanced Specialties in Educational Practice master's degree program.
“I had the honor of learning alongside incredibly passionate, thoughtful, and hardworking educators striving to build strong, evidence-based literacy programming,” says Sorrentino. “As a young educator, the network of teachers provided support, knowledge and resources to integrate into my professional practice.”
Working as a first and second grade literacy specialist during her graduate studies, Sorrentino put her coursework into practice to support young students who were building their emergent literacy skills.
“I am beyond grateful for the people and students at Georgia Elementary and Middle School (GEMS) who helped me to grow as an educator and specialized literacy professional.”
With her master’s degree and three professional teaching licenses secured, she will lead her own classroom of kindergarteners at GEMS this fall.
During her graduate studies, Sorrentino worked as an executive function coach for college students and served as a student researcher on a team led by Dean Katie Shepherd and former Interim President Patty Prelock. She is proud to continue serving in both roles after graduation.
“My research focuses on the impact of executive function and social skills coaching on the wellbeing and academic engagement of neurodivergent college students,” she explains. “This is deeply meaningful work. As I continue on this research team, I hope to advance programs for neurodivergent college students at UVM.”
Faculty members Audrey Richardson, Emily Meloon, Kathleen Brinegar and Cee Carter were instrumental in supporting her growth and influencing the pursuit of her research and professional interests. And Shepherd was a valued mentor and steadfast supporter over the past six years.
“Maggie is a shining example of a student who stretched herself and explored every opportunity available to her at UVM during both her undergraduate and graduate programs," says Shepherd.
Throughout her journey, Sorrentino gave back to the campus community by serving in a variety of roles – as a CESS Student Advisory Board leader, Dean Search Committee member, academic advisor, and graduate teacher assistant.
At her undergraduate Commencement in 2023, she received the Mary Jean Simpson Award recognizing a UVM senior who best exemplifies the qualities of character, leadership, and scholarship.
She was also thrilled to be a student athlete on the UVM cross country and track and field teams during her graduate studies. Running on the Burlington Bike Path is one of her favorite local activities, and she recently trained and competed in the Vermont City Marathon.
“I am forever grateful for the people and the programs that made my journey at the 91Ƶ so special,” reflects Sorrentino. “I hope to make CESS proud as I put into practice all that I learned to serve children and families in my school community.”
