Endorsement in Driver Education
Hours: 9 Online
About
The non-degree Endorsement in Driver Education program at Fort Hays State University aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of driver education in Kansas. The program comprises three 3-credit hour courses that will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to teach driver education in the state. Current educators who teach in a public school can apply to the Kansas Department of Education to add the Endorsement in Driver Education to their valid Kansas teaching license.
Why pursue an Endorsement in Driver Education at Fort Hays State University?
FHSU is the only institution in Kansas that offers this specialized program, allowing you to earn the credentials necessary to provide courses. We provide you with the knowledge and skills required to instruct young drivers effectively about the rules of the road, responsible driving practices, and the importance of road safety.
Who is this program for?
The program is tailored for various groups, each benefiting uniquely from the comprehensive understanding of driver education it offers. It is specifically created for the following individuals:
- Educators seeking professional growth
- Aspiring driver education instructors who seek employment in a K-12 public accredited school
- Driver education instructors seeking employment in a commercial driving school
- School administrators promoting traffic safety
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Endorsement in Driver Education program, graduates will be ready to instill the essential skills and knowledge required for safe and responsible driving among their students. The program's learning outcomes are:
Content Knowledge
Aspiring driver education teachers acquire in-depth knowledge and apply essential concepts from the curriculum. It consists of a comprehensive understanding of the safe operation of a motor vehicle, mastery of state-specific traffic laws, and a solid grasp of the general rules of the road. Graduates emerge with a wealth of knowledge to effectively guide their future students through the nuances of safe driving skills.
Safety
We understand that driving is a complex task. Therefore, we focus on helping individuals improve their decision-making abilities regarding safe driving techniques and traffic safety. The program comprises coursework, teaching experiences, and practical applications enabling individuals to develop skills to prevent and manage risks, significantly preventing injuries and promoting responsible driving behavior.
Instructional Practice
Fort Hays State University emphasizes the pedagogical aspects of teaching driver education with this outcome. Participants learn to plan, implement, maintain, and assess both classroom and laboratory phases of a driver and traffic safety education program. The program's approach includes incorporating current in-vehicle technologies and establishing partnerships with parents, mentors, guardians, local community partners, and state officials to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Administration and Materials
Addressing the administrative and material aspects of teaching driver education, we provide participants with the skills to effectively manage a driver and traffic safety education program. It includes utilizing appropriate materials, resources, and methods to create an enriching learning environment accommodating students of varying abilities and backgrounds.
Real-World Applications
We always make sure our students have a thorough understanding of laws, statutes, and regulations related to driver licensing and the rules of the road. Apart from this, it's also essential that participants adapt their teaching curriculum to meet the individual needs of each student, both in the classroom and behind the wheel.
Ultimately, the participants should be well-versed in all state licensing requirements and regulations and be able to comply with them fully. It includes maintaining accurate records, completing necessary paperwork, and adhering to all other legal requirements related to driving instruction.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program's course content is constantly updated to stay relevant and current with the latest law, statute, and regulation changes. Each semester, the curriculum is reviewed and revised to incorporate current statistics and resources, making sure that you receive the most recent and accurate information. Additionally, you are encouraged to attend regional meetings and training to stay informed about any changes occurring in the field.
To address any further changes in the program, field, or curriculum, participants also attend one online meeting with faculty from FHSU. During this meeting, the faculty members discuss and elaborate on the most recent and significant changes, allowing them to ask questions and clarify any issues.
Practical Activities
As part of the program, every group of students must complete the Driver Education Program Practicum course, which occurs during the summer term. During the Practicum, each student is assigned a mentor in a public driver education program, where they must complete two experiences.
The classroom experience includes observing and assisting the mentor teacher in preparing lesson plans, conducting classes, and grading assignments. The behind-the-wheel experience involves observing and assisting the mentor teacher in conducting driving lessons, supervising students, and ensuring safety on the road.
In addition, students are also required to complete the Kansas Department of Revenue computer-based training. The computer-based training has valuable information on the use of the Driver Education Portal and Lawful Presence information for drivers. Students can also attend Kansas Department of Education Driver Education Regional meetings, where they can network with other educators and learn about the latest developments in driver education.
What You’ll Learn:
- Comprehensive knowledge of driver education laws, statutes, and regulations
- Develop effective teaching strategies to adapt to individual student needs
- Master state licensing requirements and adhere to legal obligations
- Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices
- Maintain accurate records and complete necessary paperwork
How You’ll Learn:
- Effective teaching strategies for in-class and behind-the-wheel instruction
- Online courses and meetings with faculty
- Compliance with state licensing regulations and legal requirements
- Latest updates on driver education
- Hands-on experience in the classroom and behind-the-wheel teaching environments
The program spans three courses, each lasting eight weeks, covering key topics crucial for effective teaching. To finish the Endorsement in Driver Education program, students must complete all three courses and achieve a satisfactory grade in each class. Then, if you are teaching in a public school, you will be eligible to apply to the Kansas State Department of Education to add the Endorsement in Driver Education to your valid Kanas teaching license
AEP 805: Driver Education – Driving Safety
This foundation course introduces participants to key driving safety components, focusing on driving techniques, traffic laws, risk prevention, and management practices in driver education.
AEP 806: Driver Education – Instructional Methods
This methodology course in the Driver Education program teaches how to develop and implement effective driver education, focusing on curriculum design and evidence-based practices for both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
AEP 807: Driver Education – Program Practicum
In this required Driver Education course, participants apply their skills with a licensed supervisor and faculty to implement the curriculum with case-study students. Upon completion, they will be ready to plan, implement, and assess their own driver education programs.
Upon program completion, graduates become qualified to teach driver education and are supplied with the necessary skills to pursue careers in various related fields. They have access to an extensive array of professional opportunities.
Driver Education Teacher
As a driver education teacher in a public education setting, professionals guide students through the intricacies of safe driving practices. They cover injury prevention, safe driving practices, and compliance with state regulations, fostering a culture of responsible driving among young learners.
Commercial Driving School Instructor
Individuals can still teach new drivers in a commercial school without a current Kansas teaching license. In this role, instructors are crucial in imparting essential driving skills to a diverse audience, contributing to developing responsible and safe drivers outside the traditional educational framework.
Special Education Driver Education Teacher
Individuals passionate about inclusivity can specialize in teaching driver education to students with disabilities. This position involves adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse learning needs, contributing to developing an inclusive educational environment for all students.
Curriculum Development Specialist
For those interested in shaping the future of driver education, becoming a curriculum development specialist is a viable option. The profession allows individuals to contribute to the refinement of driver education curricula actively, staying abreast of educational advancements and ensuring that programs remain relevant and practical for years.
The application process involves a comprehensive review by the Advanced Education Programs Department for approval or denial. To successfully register in this 9-hour, non-degree graduate program, you must adhere to specific admission requirements:
Bachelor's Degree with a Minimum 3.00 GPA
To be eligible for the Endorsement in Driver Education program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of college coursework. This emphasis on academic achievement ensures that applicants bring a solid educational foundation to the program.
Submit Transcripts and Degree Indication
Prospective students must submit their official or unofficial transcripts detailing all completed college coursework and evidence of degree conferral. This submission helps the admissions committee assess academic preparedness and verifies successful completion of prior educational requirements.
Copy of a Valid Teaching License (for Kansas licensed public educators only)
An integral part of the application process is submitting a copy of a valid teaching license. Applicants must currently hold a teaching license to be considered for the program, emphasizing the program's focus on leveraging existing teaching experience.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (Online)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online undergraduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
The program usually takes six months to complete. This is because the driver's education consists of three 3-credit hour courses, eight weeks each.
The average salary for a driver instructor varies by district or driving school location.
Yes, the coursework is flexible and accommodates the busy schedules of working professionals. All classes are available online, and students can access course materials and complete assignments independently. In addition to the online practicum coursework, participants are required to complete a face-to-face practicum experience with a mentor either in their home district or the nearest surrounding district.
The job placement rate for graduates is very high. Over 90% of graduates have found employment within six months of graduation.
The program is manageable but requires a commitment to studying and finishing assignments on time. Students who are passionate about teaching young drivers and have a strong work ethic should be prepared to succeed.
Department Information
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.
- CAEP Accreditation: The Department of Advanced Education Programs at FHSU holds Advanced-Level-Accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This applies to post-baccalaureate or graduate programs that lead to license, certification, or endorsement for P-12 teachers, administrators, and certified school professionals. Note that the non-licensure programs, content-specific programs, and non P-12 educational leadership programs are not covered.
- Endorsement
- Online
