Mary Frances Early College of Education

08/26/2026

As a sport management student in the , Elsa Paulick (B.S.Ed. '24) spent weekends working for The Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team in catering and merchandise roles. After graduation, she became a first impression specialist for the team, where she invests in impactful game moments with each fan.

“I get to give those first moments I had to new people. I thrive in this environment where I’m able to be caring, different, fun, hungry, and constantly growing,” she said. “Going to UGA gave me that mentality to wake up every morning and attack the day and go at it.”

Read more about Elsa's journey with the Bananas in Georgia Magazine: https://mfecoe.com/news082626

08/18/2026

Kinda chic to support students. For a gift of $5 or more, you can support student success and secure your own Go Dawgs keychain: https://mfecoe.com/FY27keychain

08/14/2026

The child who plays alone during recess may be perfectly content doing so, according to a new study from the Mary Frances Early College of Education.

The research found that some elementary school children who appear unsociable actually just prefer being solo, as long as they know they belong in a broader social setting. These children knew their peers would still invite them to play even if they opted out from time to time. That knowledge acted as a buffer against potential feelings of loneliness.

Learn more about this study at the link below! 🔗

08/13/2026

☀️Summer looks a little different for every EduDawg! ☀️

From studying abroad in Argentina, England, Spain, and Greece to gaining hands-on experience working at internships, camps, and the University of Georgia's orientation, our Student Ambassadors made the most of their time this summer both on and off campus.

📸 Check out these photos to get a glimpse of their summer adventures:

• Olivia Sneed spent two weeks abroad in Greece, then came back to Athens and worked as a summer camp counselor at Extra Special People. ESP

• KB Braswell interned with the 2026 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta BRAIN Program, working with adolescents who have suffered TBIs and are seeking independence in adulthood. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

• Zurnia Dickerson served UGA this summer as an orientation leader. UGA Orientation

• Sophia Braun studied abroad in Seville, Spain, where she took two classes (business Spanish and Spanish culture), while also traveling around southern Spain.

• Caroline Smith spent 12 weeks as a camp counselor with a traveling Christian day camp called Woodlands Freestyle. Woodlands Camp

• Lauren Bietz spent seven weeks in Becket, Massachusetts working in the office of Camp Watitoh. Camp Watitoh

• Rachel Waters studied abroad at the University of Oxford through UGA's Oxford summer program in England. She took two tutorials on Arthurian literature and Jane Austen while traveling on excursions. UGA at Oxford

• Amber Hensel studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she earned credit from an internship shadowing at a hospital and took a class about Argentinian film.

• Kendall Rainey (center) served as a lead counselor and major interest coordinator for Rock Eagle 4-H summer camp, serving about 4,700 children across the state of Georgia. Georgia 4-H

08/12/2026

📣 We’re hiring! 📣

Join the Mary Frances Early College of Education at the University of Georgia as our next Executive Assistant to the Dean. This role provides executive-level support to the Dean while serving as a liaison with internal and external constituents.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the Dean’s calendar and communications
• Preparing the Dean for meetings, events, and daily activities
• Drafting correspondence and reports
• Supporting the operation of the Dean’s Office

If you’re an experienced professional who enjoys building relationships across a college community, we’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://mfecoe.com/4xfoo4l

08/10/2026

Last weekend, Dean Spangler and Pam Garcia (B.S.Ed. ’06, M.Ed. ’12), principal at J.J. Harris Elementary, caught up with Jere Chang (M.Ed. '99, M.Ed. '05) at her book signing at Barnes and Noble. Ms. Chang signed copies of her new book, "Becoming the Teacher I Needed: Lessons in Radical Kindness and Resilience."

08/07/2026

Nominations are open for the 2027 Alumni Awards! Submit one now through Sept. 30: https://mfecoe.com/AA2027

08/05/2026

Congratulations to Yasemin Sipahi (Ph.D. ’28), a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Psychology, on receiving a Dissertation Mini-Grant from the Mensa Foundation!

In addition to recognizing her contributions to educational psychology, the grant will support the final stages of her dissertation research, which is focused on mathematical creativity and teachers’ perceptions of teaching for creativity in mathematics.

“I hope the study can add to conversations about how we prepare and support teachers to create classroom environments where students can explore mathematical ideas in more flexible, original, and meaningful ways," she said.

👏👏 Congratulations, Yasemin! 👏👏

Read more: https://mfecoe.com/4wHkiBH

07/31/2026

Cedar Shoals High School media specialists and alumnae Kerry Hogan (B.S.Ed. '96, M.Ed. '01) and Megan Ogden (A.B. '14, B.S.Ed. '14, M.Ed. '16) spoke to The Red & Black about aliteracy—the ability to read and choosing not to—and how Cedar Shoals is addressing the issue among students.

Illiteracy is a widely known and used phrase among the education system, referring to the inability to read. Aliteracy is when a person has the ability to read, but chooses

07/30/2026

❤️🖤 Alumni Spotlight ❤️🖤

Sandra Whaley Derrick (B.S.H.E. ’76, M.Ed. ’80) is giving back to the next generation of Bulldogs after a 30-year career as a family and consumer sciences educator in Whitfield County Schools.

Sandra credits the Mary Frances Early College of Education's faculty and her student teaching experience with laying the foundation for a rewarding career. Today, she supports the University of Georgia through alumni leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy, helping future students succeed.

Read more about Sandra and explore other alumni spotlights: https://coe.uga.edu/alumni/alumni-spotlights/