Program Description

The Call Me MISTER program is a collaboration between Benedict College and Clemson University to recruit, train, and certify elementary teachers in the public schools of South Carolina.  The program is an effort to address the critical shortage of elementary teachers particularly among South Carolina's lowest performing schools.

The Call Me MISTER program is contributing to the talent pool of excellent teachers by identifying and supporting young men who are literally touching the future by teaching children.  The program provides:  book assistance, performance-based stipends, an academic support system to help ensure success, and a cohort system for social and cultural support.

The teaching field is in need of highly qualified and caring teachers. The Benedict College Teacher Education program has a strong track record of preparing teachers to meet the needs of all students. Upon completion of our nationally accredited program, our graduates are fully eligible for teacher certification in South Carolina.

Applications are reviewed once per academic year on a competitive basis.  Interested students must have declared elementary education or early childhood education as a major, demonstrated record of high scholastic achievement, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.

Requirements for Admission

1. Applicants must have met the admission requirements of Benedict College prior to seeking admission into the "Call Me MISTER" Program. If you have not received a letter of acceptance to Benedict College, please visit the Office of Admissions and Student Marketing web page to make sure the necessary materials have been submitted.
   
   
2. Applicants must have submitted the Benedict College application for admission, high school/college transcript, and an official copy of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores to the Benedict College Office of Admissions and Student Marketing.
   
   
3. A 2.75 grade point average (GPA) and declared major in elementary education or early childhood education.

1. Completed the online Call Me MISTER application at http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu.
   
   
2. Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    
3. Two letters of recommendation:  One (1) from a teacher, guidance counselor, advisor, or principal at the high school or college (if transfer student/upperclassman).  One (1) from a person of the student's choice who can address the student's involvement in the community and/or potential for entering the teaching profession.
   
   
4. Two essays:  One (1) 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. One (1) essay entitled "How do you believe the Call Me MISTER program will benefit you as a student?"
   
   
5. Praxis I Exam Scores submitted to Benedict College:  Additional test and registration information of the Praxis I Exam can be found on the Educational Testing Services (ETS) website at http://www.ets.org/praxis.
   
   All application materials must be postmarked by April 30, 2010.

Please submit all materials to:
Benedict College
Office of Teacher Education
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, SC  29204

Please feel free to contact Mr. Thomas Holmes, Program Collaborator, if you have any questions:

Office of Teacher Education
1600 Harden St.
Columbia, SC  29204
office:  (803) 705-4509
fax:  (803) 705-6586
holmest@benedict.edu