In-Car Driver Education Instructor

Community Education

Essential Functions:

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following actions:

1. Meets and instructs students at the location and time designated;
2. Develops and maintains the physical environment of the range and vehicle that is conducive to effective learning; including ensuring there is a first aid kit (administer first aid only if qualified), and a fire extinguisher (at least UL rated 5-B:C) in the car.
3. Obtains parent/guardian permission for student, prepares for classes and shows knowledge of lesson plans upon request by the supervisor;
4. Encourages students to set and maintain high standards of behavior; make every reasonable effort to protect students from injury.
5. Ensures the proper use of safety restraints by all persons occupying the driver education vehicle.
6. Ensures that the student driver has in his/her possession a valid Virginia learner’s permit when operating a driver education vehicle.
7. Provides an effective instructional approach to include:

• knowledge of Virginia Highway Laws and DMV regulations
• the latest in driver techniques and maneuvers
• knowledge of the Virginia Curriculum
• knowledge of local lesson plans
• coaching of students
• completion of road grade sheets and maintenance of student records
• assessment of student performance
• reviewing student performance at the end of lesson in a professional manner
• conducting road examinations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The standardized driver education program established by the Board of Education requires that teachers:

1. Hold a valid Virginia teaching license with an add-on endorsement or approved program endorsement in driver education; or, for in-car instruction, satisfy the paraprofessional training requirements;
2. Hold a valid Virginia driver’s license;
3. Have a broad background of driving experiences (two years minimum) in cities, rural roadways and highways;
4. Possess sound physical, mental and emotional qualities;

The standardized driver education program established by the Board of Education requires that paraprofessionals:

1. Must be at least 21 years of age;
2. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent;
3. Must possess sound physical and mental health;
4. Must hold a current/valid Virginia driver’s license;
5. Must have a three-year driving record upon which the Department of Motor Vehicles has taken no corrective action immediately prior to approval as a teaching paraprofessional; and
6. Must have at least four years of driving experience.

Education and Experience:

A licensed teacher with an endorsement in Driver Education or a paraprofessional driver education instructor meeting the following requirements:

1. Completed an approved teacher preparation program in driver education; or
2. Completed 6 semester hours of coursework distributed in the following areas:
3. a) Driver Task Analysis: 3 semester hours; and
4. b) Principles and methodologies of classroom and in-car instruction, including a minimum of 14 hours of actual behind-the-wheel supervised teaching experience and 2 hours of basic evasive maneuvers; 3 semester hours.

The paraprofessional must complete a minimum of eight hours of driver education in-service training every two years.

Physical Conditions:

Duties performed typically in school settings to include: tower, range and vehicles.  Frequent walking, light lifting and other limited physical activities are required. Daily travel with students on road trips and tests.  Daily personal and close contact with youth to provide a learning environment is required.  Regular contact with other staff members and parents is required.  Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary.

Safety:

Proper operation of Driver Education Vehicles in compliance with VDOE standards as described in the Curriculum and Administrative Guide. Safety measures include, but are not limited to the following guidelines: 

1. Instructors shall not allow the driver education vehicle to be used by any student during on-street instruction without the teacher being in the vehicle and providing direct instruction. If the vehicle is parked and students remain in the vehicle, the keys shall be removed by the teacher. In no event should the vehicle’s engine remain running with students inside the vehicle without the teacher also being inside the vehicle. 
2. Instructors shall not conduct in-car instruction with less than two, or more than three, students in the car. 
3. Instructors must remain outside a car while fueling.  Never re-enter a car while     fueling.  Before touching the gas hose handle, touch the side of the car to discharge static build-up on your person. Students are not to be present during fueling.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.