Why do I teach Drivers Ed? Andrew Unseth Minnesota Drivers and Traffic Safety Education Association 2018 Teacher of Excellence Shakopee Public Schools

Why do I teach students how to drive safely? I believe that my students are more than a conglomeration of brain tissue, muscles, and enzymes. My goal is to keep them alive and safe beyond their early driving years.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Students believe their goal is to learn the Minnesota Drivers Manual. They simply want to pass the permit test. They miss the big picture.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: My goal is to provide life lessons and inspire them to drive safely. I want to keep them alive.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Students cannot drive—legally. They do not understand the dangers they face ahead. So how do we provide them with practical experiences outside the vehicle?

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: We have to start by reading our state drivers manual. But students do not understand the dangers they face ahead. So how do we provide them with practical experiences outside the vehicle?

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Students study the manual. I provide worksheets directing them to the most important issues.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Yes, they will pass the permit test. But I ensure they understand the bigger issues behind the questions.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Student’s ask, “What’s the legal limit for alcohol BAC?” My question is, “How will alcohol or drugs effect the way you and others drive?”

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: How do we provide real world experiences without driving? My goal is to get them watching other drivers so they understand who they will be driving with on our roadways.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: We spend time outside watching the very drivers these students will be driving with next month.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: We discuss the written driving rules—boring as they may be. But I tell the students what to expect and they tally violation after violation.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: The response from students? “I’m not going to drive like that.” When I hear that, I know I have accomplished something.

Why do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Students choose a subject and present what they discover to the whole class. (I have secretly forced them all to learn something.)

How do I teach drivers education? Classroom Instruction: Students help me with simple research. How many local residents actually stop at Stop Signs? (Who learns more, me or the students?)

How do I teach drivers education? In-Car Instruction: Students need explicit instruction. Their parents tell them, “Drive safely.” I tell them how to drive safely.

How do I teach drivers education? In-Car Instruction: … and sometimes I have to tell them how not to drive.

How do I teach drivers education? In-Car Instruction: . I give them specific scanning techniques for basic driving. “Don’t just ‘look.’ Move your eyes systematically to effectively find problems before you encounter them.”

How do I teach drivers education? In-Car Instruction: . Though students want to focus on simple skills, I focus on the big issues that will keep them safe and alive: Speed Safe distances Sober and attentive driving Seat belts and safety

How do I teach drivers education? Parent Classes Shakopee piloted a state program for parent instruction. What do students need to know? How can parents help their children learn to drive safety? What are the basic rules for students today?

Why do I teach students how to drive safely? My motivation and goal: I love them all and I want them to live far longer than I do.

Why do I teach drivers education? My favorite class: Five successful, safe drivers who all passed their driving test using a car with a manual transmission.

A special note of thanks: To Mr A special note of thanks: To Mr. Jim Hudspeth, who has mentored me along the way in developing a quality education program for our Shakopee students.