Call Me MiSTER
Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models
Call Me MiSTER was developed by South Carolina’s visionary educational leaders who sincerely believe we can build a better tomorrow by getting you involved today. The mission of the Call Me MISTER program is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader more diverse background - particularly among the State's lowest-performing elementary schools. Student participants are largely selected from under-served, socio-economically disadvantaged, and educationally at-risk communities.
A teacher recruitment program designed to address the critical shortage of African American male teachers, the Call Me MiSTER program seeks to support participants through the following:
- Tuition assistance for admitted students pursuing approved programs of study,
- An academic support system to help assure their success,
- A cohort system for social and cultural support, and
- Job placement support.
The program initially debuted at Clemson University, which continues to administer the program at the state level. Since launching the program in 2007, the College of Charleston MiSTER cohort has grown to include undergraduate and graduate education students.
Students interested in the Call Me MiSTER program should apply through Clemson University before submitting an application to the College of Charleston program.
Apply HereWhat it means to be a MiSTER
Expanding diversity of educators in South Carolina Classrooms. MiSTERs at the College of Charleston:
- participate in 20 hours of community service, cohort bonding events and professional development each month.
- complete a full-time, unpaid, final semester clinical internship, during which other jobs are not permitted.
- receive a $5,000 MiSTER award toward the cost of annual tuition.
Program Information
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Applying for the Program
Who can apply?
All applicants will be considered with a preference given to students entering their freshman year at the College of Charleston. To apply to the Call Me MiSTER program, student must
- be accepted at the College of Charleston
- enroll as a teacher education major
- have a completed FAFSA on file with the College's Financial Aid Office to demonstrate financial need
Interested in applying? Reach out to the Director of Call Me MiSTER (information on this page) for appliation requirements and deadlines.
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Policies
It is the policy of the College of Charleston School of Education that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or in any way be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity of the College.
Participation in the Call Me MiSTER Program is open to anybody, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, if they are capable of facilitating the achievement of its objectives.*
Discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or veterans status is prohibited.
*Direct quote from U.S. Department of Education grant proposal documents. -
Student Vision Statement
I am a dedicated Servant Leader who is perpetuating a sorely needed concept—Servant Leaders as role models in elementary schools.
I am devoted to planting seeds of dignity and respect in children and inspiring them to cultivate those seeds producing a crop of unprecedented success.
I will teach reading, writing and arithmetic and progress to self-esteem, imagination and determination.
Because of my immeasurable promise, not only have I earned your respect, I demand it!
A title is only important if ones' character and integrity dictate its use.
When you address me, please verbalize my destiny….please do not call me by my first name….call me in reference to my great vision…CALL ME MISTER!
Students Get Ahead
Call Me MiSTER program is a statewide initiative that supports male minority students majoring in education who plan to become teachers. MiSTERs from across the state participated with Kids on Point as part of their summer programming.
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Aims to Inspire Minority Educators
The sense of belonging matters, these education majors aspire to uplift their students, especially those who look like them. The program gives male educators of color a variety of opportunities to grow and develop as leaders, preparing them to teach the type of students they want to serve.
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