Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline: LSU, McNeese, and Grambling State Celebrate 3rd Annual Louisiana Call Me MiSTER Conference
The Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Towards Effective Roles) program celebrated its third annual Louisiana conference held recently at Grambling State University in the Betty E. Smith Nursing Building Auditorium.
The mission of the Call Me MISTER® initiative is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader more diverse background, particularly among the State’s lowest-performing elementary schools. Student participants are largely selected from underserved, socio-economically disadvantaged, and educationally at-risk communities.
The conference began with a warm welcome from Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr.
“Welcome home to Grambling State University, where our world-class College of Education is nurturing the future leaders of education through initiatives like the Call Me MiSTER program,” President Lemelle said. “As you envision your dreams and possibilities, I encourage you to dream bigger.”
The keynote speaker, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter-Reed, recognized by Forbes as one of the nation’s top ten black higher education leaders in 2023, shared her aspirations for the program. Dr. Hunter-Reed, the only female to hold this position in many states, emphasized the importance of driving positive change in education.
“Your ability to effect change is part of your excellence. Excellence is not about personal glory; it’s about serving others,” Dr. Hunter-Reed said. “To my MiSTERS, we need you in Louisiana classrooms educating our students. Your commitment to learning and growth will profoundly benefit our students and the community. Education has the power to transform lives.”
Dr. Hannah Harvey, Call Me MiSTER Director at McNeese State University, highlighted the dual role of educators as both teachers and mentors. She stressed the importance of representation for young learners, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“Teaching transcends the delivery of content; it is about inspiring and guiding the next generation,” Dr. Harvey said. “As participants in Call Me MiSTER, you are not just future teachers but also potential leaders capable of uplifting and empowering your students.”
The conference featured networking opportunities aimed at building connections between aspiring educators and established professionals. Participants engaged in workshops and panel discussions, fostering dialogue about the challenges and successes of diversifying the teaching workforce in Louisiana, where representation is critically needed.
Dr. George Noflin, the director of the Call Me MiSTER program at Grambling State University, emphasized the program’s dedication to developing qualified and passionate educators. He noted that the journey, though challenging, leads to significant contributions to both the community and students’ lives.
“Becoming a MiSTER is about more than just a title; it embodies the essence of mentorship and role modeling, especially in Louisiana,” Dr. Noflin said.
A highlight of the conference was a panel discussion featuring successful Call Me MiSTER directors, alumni, and members who shared their experiences.
Nicholas Cobb, the first Louisiana Call Me MiSTER graduate and master of ceremonies, shared his journey. In his first year of teaching, Cobb was honored as Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year at Crawford Elementary in Bienville Parish. Recruited by Dr. Noflin in 2017 from Louisiana Tech, he is now pursuing a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Grambling State, with aspirations for a doctorate.
“If you cannot do it for yourself, do it for those who come after you and those who look up to you,” Cobb said. “Call Me MiSTER provided me with mentorship, leadership, and the guidance I sought throughout my life. It instilled in me self-esteem and taught me the importance of faith and self-love.”
As the conference concluded, a palpable sense of camaraderie and purpose filled the room. The Call Me MiSTER program continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of education in Louisiana, emphasizing mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.
To learn more about the Call Me MiSTER program at Grambling State University, visit gram.edu/callmemister.