Grambling State News

Call him special. Call him a trailblazer.

But most importantly, call him MiSTER.

Ja’Deric Talbert will be one of more than 300 new graduates to receive their degree from Grambling State University (GSU) on Friday morning during Fall 2024 Commencement at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

But among all of those graduates, Talbert will be one of a kind.

That’s because Talbert will be the first graduate from Call Me MiSTER® (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) program at Grambling State, an initiative striving 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 2024 conference aims to foster a community of support and development for these future educators, providing them with the tools and inspiration necessary to succeed and lead in their careers.

Talbert, who grew up near GSU in Arcadia, Louisiana, said it wasn’t that he had always dreamed of being a teacher while growing up, it was simply a case of being in the right place at the right time that led to the start of his vocational journey.

“Growing up, I didn’t always see teachers who looked like me, especially Black men. I had about three that I can recall,” Talbert said. “I knew that representation mattered, and I wanted to be that person for students who needed to see it. When I heard about Grambling State University launching the Call Me MiSTER program, it felt like a perfect fit.

“CMM provided a purpose bigger than myself — it was a mission to address the lack of diversity in the classroom. Becoming the first MiSTER at GSU was humbling. It was a chance to set the tone, build something lasting, and pave the way for others to follow.”

GSU Associate Professor Dr. George Noflin started the Call Me MiSTER program at Grambling State and recruited Talbert to be the program’s first students.

“For four years, Mr. Talbert has been the face of the Call Me MiSTER Program serving as our first president,” Noflin said. “As I have watched his growth and maturity, it makes my heart full of joy to know what he will bring to the students that he serves.

“Mr. Talbert is full of potential. He exemplifies the tenets of Call Me MiSTER: Ambassadorship, Brother’s Keeper, Personal Growth, Teacher Efficacy, and Servant Leadership. Students will benefit because of his greatness. He is a true leader.”

Talbert calls being a part of the Call Me MiSTER program a transformative experience.

“It’s not just about learning how to teach; it’s about learning how to lead, inspire, and connect with students,” Talbert said. “Without the program, I think my education would have felt more solitary.

“CMM gave me a network of like-minded individuals who shared the same goals and struggles. It also offered mentorship that shaped my confidence and pushed me to think beyond the classroom. I’m not just preparing to teach; I’m preparing to make an impact.”

Noflin said Talbert has already made an impact at Grambling.

“I remember telling him that the success of this program is based on the success of the first cohort,” Noflin said. “Not only is his graduation great for him, but he set the bar high for others to follow. This milestone also gives credence to the Call Me MiSTER Program because he is the beginning of the many other ‘Super-MiSTERS’ to come.”

Talbert already knows where he’ll be making his first “real world” impact following Friday’s graduation — the same place he’s been doing his student teaching in Monroe, Louisiana.

“Teaching at Barkdull Faulk Elementary has been an honor,” Talbert said. “It’s shown me the importance of community and how much influence educators have on young minds.

“My students remind me daily why I chose this profession. I’ve already accepted a full-time position at Barkdull Faulk Elementary teaching fourth grade math and science.”

While serving as a teacher, Talbert said he plans to continue being a student with the ultimate goal of obtaining a doctoral degree.

“Call Me MiSTER has been a huge influence on my desire to pursue a doctorate,” Talbert said. “The program taught me to think big and to see myself not just as a teacher but as an innovator and leader in education. I’d love to one day lead a CMM program and continue its legacy.

“As MiSTER president, I’ve seen the power of mentorship and advocacy firsthand, and I want to carry that forward on a larger scale.”

Talbert is still exploring his options as to where to continue his education on the postgraduate level.

“My goal is to find a program that aligns with my passion for educational leadership and equity,” Talbert said. “Wherever I go, I want it to be a place that supports my vision of transforming education and uplifting communities.”

Talbert plans to continue teaching on the fourth-grade level as he moves into his future.

“I love teaching fourth grade, and I think it’s because it’s such a pivotal year,” he said. “At this age, students are beginning to develop critical thinking skills, but they still have that curiosity and eagerness to learn. I feel like I can have a real impact, not just academically but in helping them build confidence and resilience.

“Math and science also challenge students to problem-solve and see the world in new ways, which I love being part of.”

He also relishes his role as Grambling’s first Call Me MiSTER graduate.

“Call Me MiSTER isn’t just a program — it’s a movement,” Talbert said. “It’s about changing the face of education and giving students role models who inspire them to dream bigger.

“My journey has been one of purpose and passion, and I hope it shows others that the work we do as educators truly matters. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”