As Megan Sorrell prepares to graduate in May from the UNC School of Education’s Master of Education for Experienced Teachers (MEdX) program, with a specialty in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support, she will have strengthened a decades-long commitment to supporting children and families, supported fellow educators, and expanded her leadership and impact for young children and their families.
“My passion has always stemmed from building relationships and bonding with the children in my care — wanting to provide the best for them as a safe and nurturing caregiver,” Sorrell said. “The choice to work with children was solidified when I realized the joy and satisfaction I get from caring for and connecting with children and families.”
Sorrell began working in early childhood education as a junior in high school. What started as an after-school job quickly grew into a lifelong path. Over the past two decades, she has worked as an infant teacher, toddler teacher, and preschool teacher in a variety of early learning settings. Since 2020, she has served as an infant-toddler specialist and early childhood educator coach and mentor at Durham’s Partnership for Children, where she supports educators through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
She enrolled in the UNC School of Education’s MEdX program to enhance her leadership. Designed for working professionals, the two-year, part-time program enables educators like Sorrell to remain in their roles while gaining new skills and knowledge to enhance their impact in real time.
Sorrell also holds an Associate of Science in early childhood education from Vance-Granville Community College and a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies from UNC Greensboro.
“I pursued my degrees to better equip myself for my chosen field and be able to put theory to practice,” Sorrell said. “By educating myself in early childhood, I am prepared to support my practice and colleagues in child development, developmentally appropriate strategies for teaching, behavior management, and classroom management, and becoming an advocate and leader.”
“I wanted to pursue the MEdX program to further my scope of knowledge and prepare for advancing my career in education,” Sorrell said. “The program was the right fit for me because I wanted to gain knowledge in being an advocate for the children and their families. I wanted real life experiences in being that advocate, planning education, and becoming a researcher in the field.”
Through a flexible hybrid — or hyflex — format, MEdX classes combine synchronous afternoon sessions, offered both in person and remotely, with asynchronous learning opportunities. For Sorrell, that format aligned perfectly with Sorrell’s needs and goals.
“The hyflex model has made this journey accessible to accomplish my educational goals,” Sorrell said. “I have still been able to maintain a full-time schedule in my career as well as being present and involved in home and family life.”
In her current role, Sorrell supports the professional development of early childhood teachers across Durham through the Practice-Based Coaching model, which emphasizes observation, feedback, and reflection. She also designs and delivers content based on educator needs, drawing from evidence-based practices and peer-reviewed research, with much of it informed by her experiences in the MEdX program.
“Some of the most impactful experiences I’ve had as a leader are when the teachers I work with grow in their practice and begin providing even more quality care and education,” Sorrell said. “Seeing their professional growth brings me joy and excitement.”
As a soon-to-be graduate of the School, Sorrell aims to continue sharing insights with teachers, supporting families, and championing quality education. She’s also committed to growing in her profession and challenging herself to branch into new areas of student support.
“This program has helped me with being a support for teachers, children, and families and being an advocate for education for all,” Sorrell said. “I feel more competent as a leader and advocate now more than ever.”