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At the University of Colorado Denver, a groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the landscape of education by addressing the critical need for diversity in classrooms. According to the Colorado Department of Education, in the 2023-2024 school year, 49.5 percent of students were students of color, while teachers of color make up only four percent of the teaching force and men of color are less than one percent of all Colorado teachers. The Call Me MISTER program (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) is a national initiative aimed at providing support and guidance for men of color and underrepresented communities pursuing teaching careers. Originally launched in 2000 in South Carolina, the program has since expanded to 12 states, with nearly 500 MISTERs actively working to enrich classrooms across the country. CU Denver is now home to a program cohort, with Diego Lucero as its inaugural student, set to finish his degree in May 2027.

Lucero’s journey to becoming the first MISTER at CU Denver is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and representation in education. “Growing up, I never really had a teacher that looked like me,” Lucero shares, reflecting on his early education. “There were maybe three teachers of color throughout my entire K-12 experience, and I never felt like I could deeply relate to any of them.” This lack of representation in the classroom is a gap that Call Me MISTER aims to fill, by training men of color who can serve as role models for the next generation of students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Lucero’s path to teaching didn’t follow the traditional route. A lifelong musician, he initially didn’t see himself in the classroom. “I started teaching drum lessons at the School of Rock Denver, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with teaching. Watching students grow and knowing I contributed to their lives in a positive way was incredibly fulfilling,” Lucero recalls. His passion for teaching deepened when he began working at the Joshua School, a school for children with autism and other disabilities. “I immediately fell in love with it,” he says. “Teaching in such a specialized environment made me realize that this was what I wanted to do full-time.”

Lucero discovered the Call Me MISTER program through an email and was immediately drawn to it. “Just knowing that a program like this existed made me so excited. It’s an honor to be the first MISTER at CU Denver, and it feels amazing to be part of something so impactful,” Lucero says, emphasizing how important the program’s mission is to him. The program has provided Lucero with a wealth of support, from mentorship to professional development opportunities, all while working with Dr. Sarcedo, the program’s director at CU Denver. “Dr. Sarcedo is amazing. She describes herself as your ‘college auntie,’ and she truly has my back on everything. It’s been really great to have that kind of support,” Lucero shares.

Dr. Sarcedo describes the program this way: “Call Me MISTER is dedicated to supporting men of color and others underrepresented in teaching. The program covers full tuition and fees, provides a monthly stipend, and offers valuable cohort activities—study sessions, workshops, mentorship, and community service across the Denver metro area. The goal is to build a strong, supportive community that empowers future teachers to become revolutionary educators who can make a lasting impact on the diverse students of the Denver metro and beyond.”

Lucero looks forward to the future growth of the program at CU Denver. In the first year, the School of Education & Human Development admitted two individuals into Call Me MISTER – Lucero and recently Brandon Pryor. “I’m excited to collaborate with a peer on some of the work,” he says. As the program expands, Lucero is optimistic about its potential to foster a supportive community for men of color in education.

One of Lucero’s most memorable experiences as part of the Call Me MISTER program was attending the Excellence in Education Gala, organized by the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative (CMOCC). “I wouldn’t have had that experience if it weren’t for this program. Hearing from other people of color in education, sharing their stories and challenges, was truly inspiring,” Lucero reflects. “It really opened my eyes to the opportunities we have as men of color in education, and how we can make a difference.”

Looking ahead, Lucero has clear goals for his career. While he loves the school where he currently works, he hopes to expand his experience in public schools, particularly focusing on supporting students with disabilities. “There are a lot of students in public schools who don’t have the support they need, even in well-funded schools,” Lucero explains. “I’d love to see what changes can be made to help those students.”

Lucero’s advice to anyone considering applying for the Call Me MISTER program is simple: “Do it.” He stresses that there is no other program like it. “This program is especially important for men of color in education. There’s been a teacher shortage for so long, and many men of color might feel discouraged by the lack of representation. But this is how we make a name for ourselves in the field, show that we can do it, and prove that we’re just as capable as anyone else.”

For Lucero, becoming a teacher is not just about having a job; it’s about breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations. Through his work with the Call Me MISTER program, he is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive educational system—one that reflects the communities it serves. As the first MISTER at CU Denver, Lucero is not only shaping his own future but also the future of countless students who will benefit from seeing someone who looks like them in the classroom.

Learn more about CU Denver’s Call Me MISTER program.