Call Me MISTER

Call Me MiSTER at Columbia College

Supporting Minority Students & Low-Performing Schools 

Columbia College's 169-year history is rooted in developing exceptional teachers and leaders. We're proud to join the Call Me MiSTER program (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models), which trains teachers from diverse backgrounds to help South Carolina's lowest-performing elementary schools.

Call Me MiSTER logoThis initiative fits squarely within our mission to prepare students for success in career, community, and life. Call Me MiSTER launched at Clemson and has since extended to 27 institutions statewide. 

Interested in Call Me MiSTER?

Learn how to apply and connect with our Program Director, Craig King at cking@yibangyi.net.

Meet Our 2023-2024 Call Me MiSTER Cohort

raekwon cave headshot

MiSTER Raekwon Cave

Middle Level Education: Social Studies

Junior

evan goodyear headshot

MiSTER Evan Goodyear

Elementary Education

Sophomore

caleb mack headshot

MiSTER Caleb Mack

Early Childhood Education

Junior

austin major headshot

MiSTER Austin Major

Middle Level Education: Science

Sophomore

Harold Nolan headshot

MiSTER Harold Nolan

Middle Level Education: Social Studies

First-Year

kristian sanchez headshot

MiSTER Kristian Sanchez, Cohort President

Middle Level Education: Social Studies

Sophomore

Craig King on WIS

Program Benefits & Successes

Columbia College's Craig King shares more about the mission of Call Me MiSTER and the value of black male teachers. Currently, black males make up only 2% of the teaching workforce nationwide. Call Me MiSTER closes those gaps, giving minority students—and all students—the motivation to also lead, achieve, and influence change. A staggering 85% percent of program participants are still in the classroom, and ten other states have taken notice, replicating the successful model. 

How to Apply

Deadline to Apply: May 17, 2024

Eligibility

Application

Step 1: Complete the Application

Step 2: Send Your Recommendations & Essays
Upload the following documents to the Columbia College application portal or send them directly via email to documents@yibangyi.net.

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • One essay about your interest in teaching and how you'd benefit from the program 
  • A signed statement from your guidance counselor certifying that you're from an underserved, underprivileged, or economically disadvantaged background or area

Have more questions about our program? Contact Site Coordinator, Craig King at cking@yibangyi.net.

Benefits 

We have a strong teaching legacy, training teachers for over a century. As an education major, you’ll develop the skills to be successful as a teacher, plus Call Me MiSTER program benefits. 

  • Take advantage of tuition and book assistance.
  • Gain social and cultural support from classmates in the program as well as students across the 27 participating institutions.
  • Work with your professors and dedicated coordinator to secure a teaching placement that's right for you. 

Meet Our MiSTERS

MiSTER Harold Nolan, MiSTER Raekwon Cave, MiSTER Evan Goodyear, MiSTER Caleb Mack, MiSTER Kristian Sanchez, MiSTER Austin Major, and Site Coordinator, Mr. Craig King. 

Serving SC Students

Kids need leaders who understand their struggles, who they can look up to, and who can give them hope. That's what Call Me MiSTER does for South Carolina students.

  • Craig King

    Craig King

    Site Coordinator

Start a Rewarding Career

Influence change in South Carolina schools and communities. Our Call Me MiSTER program is highly competitive so apply early to give yourself the best shot.