Call Me MISTER

The Concern:

A very small percent of the nation’s elementary school teachers are from a broader, more diverse background – particularly male African-American teachers who represent fewer than 2% of the nation's public school teachers. This means that many children from diverse backgrounds and African-American boys will go through their entire education without having a teacher who looks like them.

As the face of South Carolina and the nation is changing, students need teachers, mentors, and role models that reflect these diverse backgrounds now more than ever.

Mission:

The Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) program at Midlands Technical College is designed to increase the number of elementary school teachers from a broader more diverse background, particularly male African-American teachers.

The program will recruit, train, and prepare students for the first two years of a teacher education training program. Upon completion of the MTC Call Me MISTER program and/or prerequisite requirements, students may transfer to a four-year institution's Call Me MISTER program to complete a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Program Benefits:

  • Site Coordinator (Advisor)
  • Workshops, seminars, and training sessions
  • Mentor teachers
  • Internships/site visits
  • Personal and financial assistance
  • Role models

Criteria for Admission:

Each applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration.

  • A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
    • One from an educator, teacher, counselor, or principal
    • One from a person of the student’s choice
  • Submit an essay entitled, “Why I Want to Teach”
    • This essay must be typed, double-spaced, and not exceed one page
  • Must be from an underserved, underprivileged, or economically disadvantaged background or area
  • Must be enrolled in MTC’s Associate in Arts Degree Program and be eligible for enrollment in English 101 and Math 101 courses

Vision Statement

I am a young, strong African American male, dedicated to perpetuating sorely needed concept men 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, 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 one’s 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.

Call Me MISTER Participating Colleges

Aiken Technical College
Anderson University
Benedict College
Charleston Southern University
Claflin University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
Greenville Technical College
Horry Georgetown Technical College
Lander University
Limestone University
Midlands Technical College
Morris College
Newberry College
Piedmont Technical College
South Carolina State University
Southern Wesleyan University
Spartanburg Community College
Tri-County Technical College
Trident Technical College
University of South Carolina - Aiken
University of South Carolina - Beaufort
University of South Carolina - Upstate
Winthrop University

Contact

Midlands Technical College
Devaun L. McFarland
P.O. Box 2408
Columbia, SC 29202
803.738.7647
mcfarlandd@midlandstech.edu