About Call Me MiSTER®
The mission of Call Me MiSTER® is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader more diverse background, particularly among the state’s lowest performing elementary schools.
The term MiSTER® is an acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models, and is primarily a mentoring type program where young minority students will be mentored into effective leaders, and will become mentors themselves to their students.
The Call Me MiSTER® program has its origin from Clemson University, and began in the year 2000, combining the special strengths and resources of a research-oriented public university with the individualized instructional programs offered by four historically black colleges in South Carolina: Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College, and South Carolina State University. The program has also established a network of seven two-year colleges. Limestone University is the only Minority-Serving Institution in the Call Me MiSTER® network.
The overall goal of the program is to increase diversity in the classroom but it’s also the goal of the program to give minority students the hope of aspiring to be a teacher, and also to become leaders in their community.
Who is a MiSTER?®
The ideal MiSTER® must possess leadership qualities as well as adhere to requirements including (but not limited to):
- Major in Elementary, Early Childhood Education or K-12 Certification areas
- Maintain a minimum of 2.75 GPA
- Adhere to attendance policies
- Conduct self in a manner that exemplifies values of a positive role model and mentor
MiSTERs® will also qualify for tuition and book assistance.
MiSTERs® who have graduated from the Limestone University Teacher Education Program have a 100% job placement rate!
How To Apply To Call Me MiSTER®
Becoming a MiSTER®
Procedures for admission to the Call Me MISTER® program must be completed in the following order:
- Apply for and be accepted into one of the Teacher Education Programs from which the degree and teaching certificate will be earned.
- Complete the Call Me MISTER® online referral application.
- Submit the following items to Limestone University’s Call Me MISTER Program by clicking here:
- High School diploma and final transcript or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One (1) from a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal at the high school form which the diploma is earned.
- One (1) from a person of the student's choice who can express the student's involvement in the community and/or potential for entering the teaching profession.
- An essay entitled, "Why I Want to Teach," which will address the student's motivation for entering the teaching profession and the contributions he hopes to make to the profession and to the community as a teacher.
- An essay entitled "How do you believe the Call Me MISTER® program will benefit you as a student?"
- A signed statement certifying that student is from an underserved, underprivileged or economically disadvantaged background or area.
Following the submission of the items above, an interview will be scheduled with the prospective program participants to ascertain their potential for teaching and their motivations for participation in the program, as well as to provide an opportunity for clarification of any information submitted through the application process.
