Dallas ISD honors future educators at annual Call Me MiSTER jacketing ceremony

Written by Emily Davis, Dallas Education Foundation

Dallas ISD, in partnership with The Dallas Education Foundation, recently celebrated a milestone for the young men participating in the Call Me MisTER program.

A national program, Call Me MisTER was launched in 2000 to address the shortage of male teachers of color. Through mentorship and support, the program helps guide young men who see their future in education.

Participants of Dallas ISD’s chapter were recently honored for their commitment to becoming the next generation of educators, role models, mentors, and leaders through a jacketing ceremony.

Throughout the night, the students heard from community leaders, education advocates, and program partners – all who shared a common goal of shaping the future of education in Dallas ISD. 

“You are walking answers to a call that’s been echoing through our school and communities for far too long,” said Vickie Allen, chief impact officer for DEF. 

The keynote speaker was Macario Hernandez, president of Dallas College’s Mountain View campus, who talked about his journey in education, emphasizing the profound responsibility behind the call to teach.

“This jacket is a uniform of service. It's not about status. It’s about responsibility. And it should remind you that someone opened a door for you, and now you’re committed to holding it open for others,” he said.

The program also welcomed George Noflin, Director of the Call Me MiSTER program at Grambling State University, who introduced two outstanding students, Adan A. and Aston S., who will continue their education journey at Grambling. 

The evening concluded with Simeon Oston, of Human Capital Management, who presented jackets and plaques, symbolizing each student’s entry into a powerful brotherhood of educators. 

As the students accepted their jackets, one thing was made clear: the future of education in Dallas is in strong, capable, and compassionate hands.