SC State ‘Misters’ network with Black educational leaders at Charleston conference

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Becoming a professional educator requires interacting with and learning from relatable role models.

Members of South Carolina State University’s Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) cohort took advantage of a remarkable opportunity to network with Black educators and school leaders from across the state.
 
The South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators (SCABSE) Conference in Charleston brought together educators and administrators July 17-19 for a dynamic blend of professional development, networking, and empowerment.

For SC State’s Call Me MiSTER students, the conference was more than just an educational experience. MiSTER Samuel Mitchell, a sophomore elementary education major, spoke before hundreds of attendees about SC State’s MiSTER program.

"I was honored to speak and represent such a great program and cohort, SCABSE was an unbelievable experience, and I can’t wait to go back,” Mitchell said. “Networking with principals and superintendents feels like a dream that I’m waking up to.

Engaging with like-minded educators who are passionate about the future of Pre-K-12 education in South Carolina, MiSTERs were able to meet Brandi Blake, a 2011 SC State graduate. Blake is the executive director for intercultural development at Charleston County School District and 2nd Vice President of the Dorchester, South Carolina, Chapter of the SC State University National Alumni Association.

“Beyond the professional development and networking opportunities, the weekend also provided ample space for fun and camaraderie,” said Dr. Costonzo Bryant-Martin, director of SC State’s Call Me MiSTER program and an assistant professor of education. “For some of the Call Me MiSTER students, this was their first time attending a professional conference.
 
“As a result, the Call Me MiSTER cohort left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities,” Bryant-Martin said.

About Call Me MiSTER

The Call Me MiSTER program at South Carolina State University is committed to increasing the number of educators in South Carolina’s K-12 schools. By providing mentorship, academic support, and professional development opportunities, the program empowers students to become leaders in education and positive role models for students across the state.
 
The Department of Education is a unit in the SC State College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
 
For more information regarding the Call Me MiSTER program, contact Dr. Costonzo Bryant-Martin at cbryantm@scsu.edu or 803-536-8490. For more information regarding the Department of Education, contact Dr. George Johnson at gjohns32@scsu.edu or 803-536-8793.