Dr. Mary Giles (fourth from left) and three UT Martin juniors in the educational studies program gave a presentation about the Call Me MiSTER scholars program for the Sept. 9 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Martin. Students presenting with Giles, assistant professor of education and development and training coordinator of the Call Me MiSTER program, were Michael Transley (first from left) of Nashville, Abigail Karnes (second from left) of Trenton and Austin Brooks (fifth from left) of Dyersburg.
The presenters shared information about the unique name of the program (Mentors instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) and gave some history of the teacher recruitment and retention program that first began at Clemson University in 2000. The speakers underscored that this program is open to all aspiring teachers, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.
With the preparation and support from the Call Me MiSTER program, students will go on to pursue successful careers in elementary and middle schools in Tennessee. Giles noted that UT Martin has the only Call Me MiSTER program currently offered in Tennessee. Dr. Laura Taylor (third from left) presented a certificate of appreciation to Giles showing that a donation will be made to Captain’s Pantry in recognition of the presenters. Kiwanis member Dr. Clinton Smith (sixth from right), professor of special education and chair of the Department of Educational Studies, introduced the speakers.
