HBCU gets 90K grant to help recruit, train black male teachers

South Carolina State University wants to get more black male teachers in the classroom, and thanks to a $90 thousand dollar grant donated to the university for their Call Me MiSTER program, they are one step closer to making it a reality. School officials say the grant will help them increase efforts to recruit and train black male teachers.

The University received the funds Monday from the Leveraging Innovation for Educator Excellence (Life2).  With black men making up less than 2% of instructors currently teaching in South Carolina classrooms, Program Director Dr. Thelma Sojouner says it’s important for students to see these types of role models.

“There is a tremendous need for children to see young men coming in and working in the schools,” said Dr. Thelma Sojourner, program director for Life2, a program dedicated to improving teacher efficacy. “Thank you for what you’re doing here. I’m excited for what we are going to be able to do for you at South Carolina State.”

The program that was created back in 2000 in an effort to increase the number of black male teachers, it also provides area high schoolers with mentors that through the program will help them  focus on personal growth, academic excellence, finance, self awareness, self esteem, black history, leadership and advocacy. Since its inception the program has expanded to 10 states.

Dr. Rashad Anderson, an associate professor of teacher education and campus director for SC State’s Call Me MiSTER program calls the program a revolutionary, life changing experience.

“We are one of the top HBCUs in the country that educates African American male teachers,”…“and I am truly honored to work with some of the most brilliant, creative future Black male educators who are so powerful that one MiSTER can transform an entire school’s culture.”

Dr. Anderson has been part of the Call Me MiSTER program since 2017 and says this program is in part, an extension of what S.C. State was founded on back in 1869.  A place where people of color could attend school, but also a location where black educators can learn how to hone in on their craft.

[SOURCE: ABC COLUMBIA]

Dr. Michael A. Coe, M.Ed, D.Div.'s new book "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys"

"He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys": a helpful study of the positive effects of partnering young men of color with positive role models with similar backgrounds. "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys" is the creation of published author Dr. Michael A. Coe, M.Ed, D.Div., a dedicated father of two and a special education teacher for twenty-one years. Dr. Coe dedicated his life to bringing change to African American males in the inner-city community. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in general business from Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, New Jersey; a Bachelor of Science in biblical studies from Cairn University in Langhorne, Pennsylvania; a Master of Education from Gratz College Melrose Park, Pennsylvania; a post master's degree in school administration from The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey; and a Doctor of Divinity from Isaiah University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He also holds a New Jersey Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate K–12, a Supervisor's Certificate, and a Principal's Certificate.

Dr. Coe shares, "This book is to encourage public school leaders to think more deeply about the hiring of black male teachers and the effects black male teacher mentors have on students in hopes to encourage and motivate African American males and men of color to enter the field of education. This book uncovers in-depth research of the effects of black male teacher mentoring and its impact on society. After reading He Looks Like Me, readers will understand the following:

• The vitality of having men of color in the classroom
• The importance of mentoring young black boys and boys of color
• How boys of color do meet classroom expectations when there is an African American male teacher
• An in-depth scope into the placement of African American males and males of color who are placed in special education classrooms"

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Dr. Michael A. Coe, M.Ed, D.Div.'s new book is an impactful message of hope for the future of the black community.

Dr. Coe shares in hopes of spreading awareness and encouraging educational systems to employ men of color in roles that afford young men access to positive role models.

Consumers can purchase "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys" at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys," contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK

Rutgers names basketball court after Coach Vivian Stringer

Rutgers dedicated its court to former coach C. Vivian Stringer on Sunday before the team's game against No. 4 Ohio State.

The 74-year-old Stringer won 1,055 games in her 50-year Hall of Fame career before retiring after last season. She was at Rutgers from 1995 to 2022 after stints at Cheyney State and Iowa.

"I was stunned when I saw that. I still can't believe that," an emotional Stringer said of seeing her name on the court.

Only a handful of schools have named their courts after women's basketball coaches, including Tennessee for Pat Summitt, NC State for Kay Yow, Arkansas-Little Rock for Joe Foley and DePaul for Doug Bruno.

Stringer was fourth all time among Division I women's basketball coaches in wins behind Tara VanDerveer, Geno Auriemma and Summitt.

She made four Final Four appearances and reached the NCAA tournament 28 times. She was the first coach in men's or women's basketball to take three different teams to the national semifinals.

Stringer led the Scarlet Knights to two Final Fours and three Big East regular-season titles. She was on leave last year because of COVID-19 concerns.

She was in attendance Sunday, and at halftime, her family and many former players gathered on the court to celebrate its dedication.

Rutgers gave Stringer a piece of the floor that her teams played on as a gift.

"I think my team always know that when I'm overwhelmed I just cry," she said to an adoring crowd at halftime. "I love you all."

Stringer won 20 or more games 37 times in her career, finishing with a 1,055-426 record (.712 winning percentage). She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001 and enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Stringer also served as an assistant coach on the 2004 U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

Incoming House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies interview on ABC News This Week

Incoming House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York was interviewed on ABC's "This Week" by anchor George Stephanopoulos. During the interview topics such as chances of his caucus working with Republicans to elect the chamber's next speaker, Jefferies being an election denier, and Republican extremism.

Jackson State University statement on Deion Sanders leaving for University of Colorado

Jackson State University Athletic Director released the following statement thanking Coach Deion Sanders for his achievements and time spent at JSU.

Click picture to enlarge.