A new year means another new HOD feature. Delbarton is driven by the people who make up our community—students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni—each with his or her unique story. Humans of Delbarton brings those stories to light through a series of personal profiles that capture the heart of who we are. This ongoing series celebrates the diverse voices and experiences that define Delbarton.

Meet Delbarton’s Director of Middle School Ms. Nora McSorley...

As a Randolph native and with two brothers who are part of the Long Green Line of Delbarton alumni, McSorley has always been connected to the Green Wave community long before her time as a Delbarton teacher, and more recently, Director of Middle School. “I first learned about Delbarton when my younger brothers, Liam ‘18 and Brendan ‘20, were accepted into the school,” she says. “From watching my brothers’ soccer team win the State Championship in 2017 to attending their graduations and watching them and their classmates jump into the fountain, I could tell Delbarton was a unique place."

McSorley graduated from Randolph High School and then earned a degree in psychology from Columbia University. “My mom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the care and compassion she shows her clients is what motivated me to pursue a career in counseling.”

McSorley landed at Delbarton as a permanent substitute teacher in the winter of 2020, spent the following summer teaching at Delbarton Summer School, and then transitioned to a full-time middle school math teacher. “I was so happy when Josh Hartle offered me a teaching position as a middle school math teacher,” she started. “I knew I was joining a group of teachers who went above and beyond for their students, and I was ready to accept the challenge.” In addition to teaching, McSorley assisted in coaching Green Wave Cross Country and both winter and spring Track and Field. A competitive runner during her high school athletic career, and competing for Columbia's Division I program, McSorley has always loved running, so coaching the sport she loves is a natural fit. She is coaching Track and Field this spring.

Next, McSorley taught Delbarton seniors in AP Psychology, a big shift from the middle school math work she was also doing. After four years of teaching, with a gap year to complete her master's in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from Montclair State University, McSorley returned to Delbarton this year as our Director of Middle School. “I was glad to be stepping into a role where I could use what I learned in my undergraduate and graduate programs to help boys develop into happy and healthy men.”

During McSorley’s first year as director,  she has been loving the experience thus far. “Stepping into this role has proven to be extremely rewarding. I have a lot of favorite parts about the job.” Among McSorley's many responsibilities is managing the Middle School Mentors Program, a program designed to connect Delbarton’s youngest Green Wave members with upperclassmen as they navigate life at Delbarton. The Program teaches them how to balance time and activities, as well as talking through every aspect of their middle school experience, asking their older brothers for guidance and advice. “Watching sophomores, juniors, and seniors take on a leadership role through this program and bring the younger students out of their shell has been amazing,” says McSorley.

Another rewarding part of her job is watching the Lifers -- boys who start their Delbarton experience as middle schoolers -- navigate their way through the School community. “I host social skills and friendship-building meetings each week for students to get to know each other on a deeper level and appreciate how they are similar to and different from one another," says McSorley. "It's always rewarding to see students learn and be vulnerable with one another.”

Currently working as a full-time member of the Delbarton Guidance Department, McSorley blends her two passions of teaching and mentorship. “Working in the guidance department has opened my eyes to just how much goes on behind the scenes to help students succeed while they are at Delbarton,” she says. “It is important to me that the students under my charge feel like they belong here. I strive to inspire confidence in them so that they feel empowered to tackle unfamiliar challenges and take risks.”

One of McSorley’s favorite Delbarton memories was her first Spirit Week experience, participating in a Faculty vs Student basketball-style challenge. She joked, “I was excited to participate, but unfortunately, I did not hear the instructions. I am not sure if the students could tell how lost I was, but they cheered so loudly that it drowned out my panic!”

Beyond Delbarton, McSorley leads an active life focused on running, yoga, and spending time with friends and family. “When I’m with my family, we like to watch my brother Brendan’s soccer games playing for the MLS team St. Louis City in Missouri,” she says.

McSorley’s favorite part about being at Delbarton is working alongside her fellow faculty and staff members each day. “It’s hard to describe how friendly the faculty are and how willing everyone is to help you if you just ask for it. Walking through the halls, you quickly realize our boys are also an exceptionally friendly, respectful, and happy group.”

We salute Nora McSorley for all she contributes to the Delbarton Middle School program. Stay tuned for our next HOD story!