UWG Department of Educational Technology & Foundations

06/08/2026

We are excited to feature Ms. Ebonie L. Cleaves, a proud alumna of the University of West Georgia School Library Media program, Class of 2018, and the 2022 DeKalb County School District Media Specialist of the Year. Ebonie continues to represent UWG with excellence through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to supporting future school library media professionals. See her story below! 🎉

“The School Library Media program at University of West Georgia prepared me for every aspect of my role as a school librarian. I was able to confidently do everything from budgeting and collection development to programming and instructional leadership. All the classes and assignments were relevant to the job expectations and provided practical skills I used daily as a school librarian.

The professors were absolutely outstanding. They were encouraging and always responsive. This program strengthened my confidence as a new educator, expanded my vision of what a school library can really be for the students, staff, and even community, and helped me grow not only as a librarian, but as a leader and lifelong learner. I am forever West!”

Ebonie is also leading meaningful work through Cultivating Librarianship through Instruction, Mentoring and Building skills, also known as CLIMB. CLIMB is a cohort-based professional learning initiative designed to support aspiring and early-career school library media professionals employed in the DeKalb County School District. The program cultivates leadership, builds professional knowledge, and strengthens connections between practicing educators, higher education faculty, and the broader library community. Through collaborative learning experiences, cohort members gain insight into the profession, current trends in school librarianship, and pathways for continued growth and certification.

We are so proud of Ebonie’s leadership, advocacy, and dedication to strengthening the future of school librarianship. Keep up the outstanding work, Ebonie! 💙❤️🐺

04/13/2026

Innovators Wanted. UWG graduate programs in Instructional Technology and School Librarianship prepare you for what’s next in classrooms and school libraries. Application Deadline to begin this summer is April 15. Click hyperlink to access Graduate Admission webpage: https://www.westga.edu/academics/gradstudies/graduate-admissions/index.php

04/06/2026

Innovators Wanted. UWG graduate programs in Instructional Technology and School Librarianship prepare you for what’s next in classrooms and school libraries. Application Deadline to begin this summer is April 15: https://www.westga.edu/academics/gradstudies/graduate-admissions/index.php

03/29/2026

Curious Minds Belong Here. Our programs in Instructional Technology and School Librarianship are about exploring new possibilities in your career. Application Deadline to begin this summer is April 15: https://www.westga.edu/.../graduate-admissions/index.php

03/23/2026

Curious Minds Belong Here. Our programs in Instructional Technology and School Librarianship are about exploring new possibilities in your career. Application Deadline to begin this summer is April 15: https://www.westga.edu/academics/gradstudies/graduate-admissions/index.php

12/16/2025

So happy to celebrate with our graduates this past Saturday! Congratulations!

12/10/2025

Celebrations in the COE can call for formal wear! Our ETF Faculty attended the College of Education End-of-Semester Meeting, where we celebrated the accomplishments of our college, department, and faculty.

We cannot wait for Saturday to celebrate our students as they walk across the stage at Commencement!

12/02/2025

Congratulations, Erin!!

Congratulations to another one of our upcoming graduates, Erin Jeffords, who is earning her Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology🎉 See her story below!

When I applied to the University of West Georgia, I had no idea the events that were about to transpire in my life. Two weeks after getting accepted into the Ed.S Instructional Design and Technology program, my husband and I found out that we were expecting our second child. My initial thought was, How in the world am I going to balance all of this? I decided to pursue my Ed.S despite all the exciting yet overwhelming changes that would take place in the future. Not long after making this decision, I was chosen as Teacher of the Year at my School. This honor reminded me that perseverance and passion can open many doors, even in the busiest seasons of life. Throughout the program, I faced times that pushed me to grow professionally as well as personally. After having our daughter last Fall, I remember doing everything I could to not get behind with coursework. I vividly remember during maternity leave feeding the baby a bottle with one hand and my computer sitting on the arm of the chair, and I was working with the other hand. However, I am reminded that these moments taught me dedication, time management, and the importance of family support. Now, as I reflect on this journey, I see how much I have gained. The knowledge, tools, and strategies I have learned have impacted my daily classroom practice and instruction and enhanced the learning of my students. The friendships I have built along the way have been invaluable, offering encouragement, collaboration, and inspiration. Today, I can celebrate a precious baby girl, the near completion of our forever home, and now the achievement of earning my specialist degree. What seemed impossible and overwhelming has become one of the most rewarding experiences in my life and career. Remember, you can do hard things!

In the spring, she will begin working toward adding the School Library Certification to her degree to become a media specialist.

We are so proud of her hard work and commitment! Keep up the good work, Erin! 💙❤️🐺