(Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models)
Coastal Carolina University
What is the mission of the Call Me MISTER program?
The purpose of the program is to assist with the recruitment, training, and certification of elementary teachers who are planning to teach in South Carolina schools, especially in the lowest performing elementary schools. The program seeks to help build a more diverse group of educators by providing academic, social, and financial support to individuals interested in entering the teaching profession.
What are the benefits of the program?
Students who participate in the Call Me MISTER Program receive the following benefits:
Tuition assistance through a loan forgiveness program for students pursuing an early childhood education or elementary education major.
An academic support system to help assure success, and
The social support of other participants in the program.
Who can apply?
In order to apply to the program, a student must be enrolled in the early childhood education or elementary education teacher education program. Students must also be entering their freshman year of study at Coastal Carolina University for the fall semester. Student participants are largely selected from among under-served, socioeconomically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities.
How do I apply?
The prioriry deadline for applying for the program is April 1, 2010. Students interested in participating in the program should do the following:
Two typed letters of recommendation: one letter from a high school teacher, guidance counselor, or principal at the high school from which the diploma is earned and one letter from a person of the student's choice who can describe 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 or she hopes to make to the profession and to the community as a teacher.
A signed statement certifying that the student is from an underserved, underprivileged or economically disadvantaged background or area.
You must also complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). More information is available at http://www.coastal.edu/financialaid/.
How can I learn more about the academic programs?
The Spadoni College of Education offers five undergraduate and three graduate programs with a total enrollment of over 600 students. All programs in the Department of Education are approved by the South Carolina Department of Education, and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
For more information on the academic programs, student services, and outreach activities, please visit the Spadoni College of Education Web site at http://www.coastal.edu/education/.
What happens if I change my major or decide not to teach in South Carolina after graduation?
If you change your major or decide not to pursue a teaching career in South Carolina, you will be obligated to return or re-pay the program the money that you received while participating. You must also maintain a 2.5 cumulative collegiate GPA to remain an active participant.
Whom do I contact for more information?
Dr. Jerome Christia, Associate Professor
Call Me MISTER-Academic Coach
Coastal Carolina University
P.O. Box 1954
Conway, SC 29528 callmemister@coastal.edu
843-349-2652
It is the policy of Coastal Carolina University that no person shall be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or in any way be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity of the University. Participation in the Call Me MISTER Program is open to anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, if they are capable of facilitating the achievement of its objectives.
