By Romey J. Romagnoli ’15
Whether it was the teachers who taught us to read, the ones who helped us uncover a passion for art or music, or the teachers who stayed late to help us solve complicated math problems, we all remember the ones that touched our lives. Siena College graduate Toby Sorge ’06 is one of those educators.
Sorge teaches eighth grade language arts at the Demarest Middle School in Demarest, New Jersey. He was recently selected as a Master Teacher through the Master Teacher Project, which is sponsored by the National Education Association and run by the website BetterLesson.com. After an application and interview process, five teachers from each grade (K-12) across the country are chosen to develop and share lessons in math, English Language Arts and literacy.
Sorge is part of a team of more than 130 teachers who will now serve as role models for their colleagues across the country. He credits his Siena College professors with helping to shape his teaching style and other aspects of his life.
“I learned who I was and who I could become,” Sorge said. “The English and education departments were phenomenal in my development as a person.”
Sorge said that Professor of Education Cheryl Gowie, Ph.D. and Associate Professor of English Christiane Farnan ’93, Ph.D. helped him the most.
“Dr. Gowie has a kind soul and took the time to show me how to care about students. She led by example with a positive and patient attitude,” Sorge said. “My advisor was Dr. Farnan. I took quite a few English courses with her. She taught me what literature is and challenged me to read and write.”
Gowie recognized Sorge’s promise as a future educator when he was a sophomore in her educational psychology course. “Creativity, a strong sense of ethics, empathy and concern for his students (in his field placements) characterized his work,” Gowie said. “In his senior year, Toby’s potential as a leader in education was demonstrated in his participation as a presenter at a regional educational research conference. It has been a pleasure to follow Toby's professional development.”
Farnan remembers Sorge as a creative student with a unique point of view who made her classes stronger. “When reviewing literary texts, I could count on him to change the perspective of the class and to push the conversation further,” Farnan said. “The entire English Department enjoyed Toby. He was a delight and we knew he was destined for great things. We are very proud of him. To achieve Master Teacher is quite an accomplishment.”
As he continues to serve as a shining example for his peers, Master Teacher Toby Sorge also has a message for people interested in making their way to the head of the class.
“Across the country the teaching profession is in transition. I hope that it doesn’t dissuade [students] from entering teaching,” Sorge said. “There may be bumps along the way, be persistent and make sure to find your way to the classroom.”
Sorge added that Siena College is an ideal place to study education because it gives students a strong foundation of skills and allows them to apply what they are learning.
