W.H.I.S.P.E.R.: From playing teacher to creating a legacy

The president and founder of W.H.I.S.P.E.R., Jordan Pritcher, set up booth to promote her new organization. (Panther photo by Tyuanna Williams)

For senior Jordan Pritcher, the call to be an educator came at a young age.

Like most, her childhood consisted of playing teacher – and Jordan was always the teacher. In fact, one of her core memories is at her grandma’s house, where she taught her younger brother his ABCs.

“I've always wanted to be an educator. It's just something that hit home for me,” she said.

Jordan is a senior early childhood administration major who plans to graduate in December.

But before leaving Claflin University, she intends on making one of her dreams come true for other women education majors.

When she entered college Jordan noticed the many opportunities given to members of Call Me MiSTER, an organization that aims to increase the amount of Black male educators.

She soon realized that there were no programs dedicated to developing women educators.

So, she complained.

The response to her complaints was “do something about it.”

So she did.

With the help of Claflin’s Dr. Dora Waymer, Jordan established W.H.I.S.P.E.R., Women Heroically Inspiring Students Professionally, Educationally and Respectfully.

She says the organization will focus on developing children and helping parents learn more about educational tools and resources.

“We’ll go from different classrooms, read to the community and have book drives,” Jordan said.

The organization will also partner with the Office of Career Development for National Read A Book Day.

“I do see W.H.I.S.P.E.R. going places. I do see it allowing us to have different aspects in the community where we can offer mentorships and eventually scholarships,” Jordan said.

“This is something that I would love to be national, like Call Me MISTER is national at different PWI and HBCUs.”

Jordan believes that a W.H.I.S.P.E.R. Woman should be a humble, servant leader who is willing to educate “not only in the classroom but outside of the classroom.”

The first interest meeting for the organization was held on Sept. 19. Nearly 30 students showed up to the meeting

Jordan says her plans for the organization are inspired by Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you.”

“I work off what God navigates for me. Whatever God prepares for me or it sits in my lap. I'm like, ‘Okay, well, let me just pick this up and go,’” she said.