Call Me MiSTER

Through Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models), students from backgrounds that are under-represented in the teaching profession can receive financial, educational, and social support in order to complete any of our programs that serve students in grades kindergarten through the eighth grade. MISTERs agree to teach one year in South Carolina schools for each year of financial support.

Students who participate in this initiative receive the following:

Tuition assistance through a loan forgiveness program. For each year a student receives assistance, the student teaches in South Carolina. For example, if a student receives assistance for four years, he/she teaches for four years.
An academic support system to help assure success.
Social support of other participants.
An opportunity to network with participants from other universities at conferences and paid summer institutes.
The opportunity to be part of the Call Me MiSTER Living Learning Community

FAQs

The priority deadline for applying to the program is March 1. Students interested in participating in the program should do the following:

Apply to and be accepted at Lander University. You can apply online for admission to the University at the Office of Admissions. If you have questions about this process, please contact the Office of Admissions at 864-388-8307, 1-888-4LANDER or admissions@lander.edu
You must also complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). More information is available in Financial Aid If you have questions about this process, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 864-388-8340 or finaid@lander.edu
Submit the following application materials to Rachel Schiera, Lander University, LC 229, 320 Stanley Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649 or via email at rschiera1@lander.edu:
1. Completed Call Me MISTER application
2. Two typed letters of recommendation: one letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal at the high school from which your diploma is earned and one letter from a person who can describe your involvement in the community and/or potential for entering the teaching profession.
3. A 1-2 page essay entitled, “Why I Want to Teach” which will address your motivation for entering the teaching profession and the contributions you hope to make to the profession and to the community as a teacher.
4. A 1-2 page essay entitled, “How do you believe the Call Me MISTER program will benefit you as a student?
5. A signed statement certifying that you are a student from an underserved, underprivileged or economically disadvantaged background or area.
After acceptance to Lander University and after all application materials have been submitted, an interview with the MISTER coordinators should be scheduled by contacting rschiera1@lander.edu.

To be eligible for the Call Me MISTER initiative, you must apply and be accepted to Lander University as well as meet the other guidelines provided below. You must also declare Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Special Education as your major. Specialty area majors such as Art, Music, and Physical Education are also encouraged to apply if planning to teach in grades K-8.

How can I learn more about Lander and Lander's Academic Programs?

To learn more about Lander University, visit the Office of Admissions. This site lets you know about upcoming Open Houses, Bearcat for a Day, and First Look Friday as well as helpful information for anyone interested in our university.

To learn more about how you can become one of Lander University’s EPIC Educators, visit the College of Education. This site will give you an overview of our Education programs. All of our programs in the College of Education are approved by the South Carolina Department of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

To remain in the Call Me MISTER Program, you must

maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative collegiate GPA in your first three semesters,
attend weekly CMM seminars,
actively serve in Lander’s campus life, and
act as a servant leader in local public schools.

MISTERs also must successfully complete Department of Teacher Education requirements toward South Carolina state licensure. These requirements are

achieve an overall minimum GPA of 2.75 by the end of your sophomore year,
apply for admission and be accepted to the Teacher Education program, and
pass the PRAXIS Core or receive exempt status by having an ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1100.

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. It is also the policy of Lander 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.

Call Me MiSTER

How do I apply?

Who can apply?

What are the requirements for me to remain a MiSTER?

What happens if I change my major or decide not to teach in South Carolina after graduation?

What are the policies of Call Me MiSTER?